Barite - Specimen

Mined from: Haut-Katanga or Lualaba copper belt region. Congo

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.

The Central African Copperbelt, which runs across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, is the world's largest sedimentary copper district and holds the world's largest cobalt reserves. Its ores lie in Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Katangan Supergroup, roughly 880 to 600 million years old, which were laid down in a series of rift basins.

Barite commonly forms well-shaped crystals, with more than 70 crystal forms recorded, usually as thin to thick tablets or prisms, and sometimes as crested or rosette-like clusters. It can be colourless, white, yellow, brown, grey or pale red, green or blue, and is often colour-zoned. It typically grows in low-temperature hydrothermal veins.

This one-of-a-kind Barite mineral specimen from the Democratic Republic of the Congo features a striking mass of bladed to tabular Barite crystals in soft creamy white, pale beige, and warm honey-gold tones. The crystals form layered rosettes, fan-like sprays, and tightly intergrown clusters, giving the piece a sculptural, highly textured appearance. Its translucent to semi-translucent crystal faces catch the light beautifully, while the earthy brown matrix on some sides adds natural contrast and visual depth.

Barite is a barium sulfate mineral prized by collectors for its weight, luster, and wide variety of crystal habits. Congolese Barite is especially admired for its warm coloration and dramatic crystal growth. This specimen shows excellent dimensional structure, with stacked blades, sharp edges, and radiating formations that create a dynamic display from multiple angles.

In spiritual and metaphysical traditions, Barite is often associated with grounding, clarity, and focus. It is commonly viewed as a stone that supports organization, direction, and energetic balance, while golden Barite is sometimes connected with confidence, motivation, and personal growth. Its layered crystal structure is often appreciated as a visual symbol of steady progress and inner alignment.

Chemical Composition: BaSO4

Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.