Specifications
Descrizione
Locality: Mibladen mining district, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Mibladen lies about 25 km northeast of the town of Midelt, between Morocco's High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains. Its deposit of barite and lead ore sits in Jurassic (Liassic) limestones and dolomites. Lead deposits there were first reported in 1907, and the Société des Mines d'Aouli worked the area from 1926.
Barite is barium sulfate, BaSO4. Its name comes from the Greek for weight, because it is unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral, with a density of about 4.5. It is soft, at 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale, and has a vitreous to resinous, sometimes pearly lustre.
After the industrial lead mines closed, between about 1976 and 1980 depending on the account, former miners turned to digging mineral specimens. Today miners around Mibladen still search for barite, as well as vanadinite and cerussite, and sell them through dealers in Midelt.
This striking Black Barite mineral specimen from Morocco features a dense, dramatic formation of sharply defined tabular crystals in deep black to dark smoky tones. The specimen has a bold architectural appearance, with lustrous crystal faces, angular terminations, and subtle warm brown to bronze highlights visible throughout the cluster. Set on a contrasting natural matrix, it displays beautifully from multiple angles and makes a standout addition to any mineral collection.
The crystal growth is especially eye-catching, with tightly packed, geometric Barite blades creating a sculptural and highly collectible display piece. The dark coloration gives this specimen a powerful presence, while the lighter matrix offers beautiful contrast and helps emphasize the crystal structure. This is an excellent collector’s specimen for anyone drawn to unusual, aesthetic, and naturally dramatic mineral formations.
Barite is a barium sulfate mineral known for its high specific gravity, varied crystal habits, and wide range of colors. Dark or black Barite specimens are especially desirable for their bold appearance and rarity compared with more common pale-toned forms. In crystal and metaphysical traditions, Black Barite is often associated with grounding, protection, focus, and energetic stability.
Chemical Composition: BaSO4
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.