Blue Baryte (Portway Gravel Pit)

Specimens of crystalline pale blue baryte overgrown with massive brown – white baryte from the now closed Portway Gravel Pit, Castleton, Derbyshire, UK. Any baryte specimen is incredibly dense, with small pieces even feeling heavier than they appear, which is surprising, considering it is a non metallic mineral. This density was how the mineral obtained its name, being derived from the Greek word ‘βάρυζ’ meaning heavy. It occurs in a range of environments and deposited via many processes including biogenic, hydrothermal and evaporation, among others. Commonly occurring in lead-zinc veins. Over 75% of baryte extracted worldwide is used for weighting drilling fluids in oil and gas exploration to control high formation pressures and prevent blowouts. These particular samples display radiating aggregates of pale blue baryte crystals with overgrowth of brown – white massive baryte. These rare samples are a must have for any mineral collector particularly those who are interested in British material, pieces are supplied in a white card tray with an information label.