Calcite and Barite Mineral Specimen

CALCITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Although known since antiquity, calcite’s many confusing crystal habits precluded recognition as a species until 1845.  Its name stems from the Greek chalx, meaning “lime.” Calcite is found worldwide; notable collecting localities are in England, Iceland, Germany, India, and the United States (Tennessee, Missouri, Michigan, New Jersey).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Calcite [calcium carbonate, CaCO₃], pronounced CHAL-site, is the most abundant carbonate mineral.  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system (trigonal subsystem); crystals are usually rhombohedral, scalenohedral, or prismatic with a unusually wide variety of habits.  It has a Mohs hardness of 3.0, perfect cleavage in three directions to form rhombohedrons, vitreous-to-dull luster, and a specific gravity of 2.7-3.0.  It is usually white or colorless, but impurities create a wide range of pale colors.  Calcite develops in many mineralogical environments, including pegmatites, carbonatites, chemical and sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: According to metaphysical practitioners, calcite enhances learning abilities, reduces fear and stress, removes negative energies, and promotes creativity and imagination.  Calcite is the primary mineral component of limestone, which is mined in huge quantities for use as dimensional stone, in cement, and as a metallurgical flux; and marble, which serves as a dimensional stone and sculpting medium.  Banded, massive forms of calcite, known as “marble onyx,” are fashioned into ornamental objects.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Calcite specimens are widely sought by collectors for their remarkable variety of crystal habits and colors, unusual size, affordability, excellent crystal development, and, in composite specimens, interesting associations with many other minerals.

BARITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Known since antiquity, barite was described as a mineral species in 1837.  Its name is derived from the Greek barytēs, meaning “weight,” an allusion to its high density.  Collecting localities are found in Peru, Brazil, China, Germany, Russia, France, Canada, and the United States (Nevada, Colorado, California, Arizona).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Barite [barium sulfate, BaSO₄], pronounced BARE-ite, is the most abundant barium-containing mineral.  It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system in clusters of thick-to-thin, tabular crystals with sharp, beveled edges and also in massive and granular forms.  It has a Mohs hardness of 4.3-4.6, perfect cleavage in one direction, vitreous luster, and a relatively high specific gravity of 4.3-4.6.  Barite crystals are transparent to translucent and have a wide range of colors.  Barite occurs in carbonatites, hydrothermal vein and replacement deposits, and as a cementing material in sandstone.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Metaphysical practitioners believe that barite helps to heal the Earth, creates the initiative to pursue dreams without restraint, facilitates independence, and enhances friendship, harmony, and love.  Barite is mined extensively as the only source of barium metal and barium compounds.  Because of its density, non-toxicity, inertness, and low cost, barite is the “weighting” agent used in oil- and gas-well drilling muds.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Both as individual crystals and composite specimens, barite is popular among mineral collectors for its range of colors and excellent development of its various crystal habits