Baryte from Mimberge, Sauerland – Pale Brown Crystals with UV Fluorescence

This Baryte specimen from Mimberge in the Sauerland region of Germany shows numerous pale brown to yellowish Baryte crystals on matrix. The crystals cover large areas of the surface and are predominantly tabular to thick-tabular in habit.

Measuring 6.0 × 4.0 × 3.5 cm and weighing 125.7 g, this is a small cabinet specimen. The crystals are densely intergrown and form an extensive yet three-dimensional crystallization.

Tabular to thick-tabular Baryte crystals

The Baryte crystals show a pale brown to yellowish coloration and are predominantly translucent. Thinner crystal areas and edges transmit light more clearly, while thicker and more densely intergrown areas are less light-transmitting.

The crystals are predominantly tabular to thick-tabular. Some crystals taper slightly or show wedge-like terminations. Their dense intergrowth creates small crystal groups and areas with varying surface structure across the matrix.

The crystal faces show a noticeable, but not overly strong luster.

Pale yellow UV fluorescence

Under long-wave UV light, the Baryte shows a pale yellow fluorescence. The fluorescent areas are clearly visible in the corresponding product image.

This fluorescent response has been repeatedly documented for Baryte from Mimberge and represents an additional mineralogical feature of the specimen.

Baryte from Mimberge in the Sauerland region

Mimberge in the Sauerland region is known for Baryte with yellowish to brownish crystals. Specimens from the locality commonly show tabular to thick-tabular Baryte crystals on matrix, in some cases also with UV fluorescence.

This specimen displays that characteristic locality appearance well, with numerous pale brown to yellowish crystals, dense crystallization and clearly visible fluorescence under long-wave UV light. The specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Diether Gräf.