Specifications
Description
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 specimen from Morocco showcases a dramatic and sculptural crystal formation with sharp, elongated blades and bold geometric faces. Its dark metallic-gray to black tones are beautifully contrasted by lighter natural matrix material, giving the piece a powerful and elegant display presence.
The specimen features an eye-catching, layered structure with intersecting tabular crystals and well-defined edges that highlight the natural beauty of barite. Subtle variations in luster, texture, and tone add depth and character, making this a truly distinctive collector’s piece.
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.