Detailed information
Dimensions
60 x 52 x 40
mm
Weight
119 g
Locality
Huanzala Mine Huallanca District Huánuco Department, Peru
Condition
No recorded repairs
Despite having the reputation for having produced the most mineral specimens of any mine in the history of Peru, the remote, high altitude Huanzala mine has mainly provided Pyrite crystals, but some of these are regarded as the world's best for their beautiful and rare crystal forms and arrangements. Although fine bladed baryte crystals are known from Huanzala mine they tend to only be seen on older specimens dating back to the second half of last century and as triangular-shaped crystals and crystal groups sat upon Pyrite and other sulphides. This very large miniature to very small cabinet-sized golden-brown Baryte 'flower' crystal group sat upon a very small piece of matrix is something totally different and in class of its own. Miraculously damage-free - considering the route from the mines to the outside world - this exceptional Baryte is stunningly beautiful. Its crystals are thin, transparent, tabular plates, but twinned sideways to extend their width into almost square-shaped plates with bevelled, wedge-shaped edges. These plates are grown in a 'fan-like' arrangement side-on, but from above they give the impression of flower petals. A remarkable mineral treasure from Peru.