Elmwood mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee

In recent years, these Barite Balls from the Elmwood have become classics. This specimen was mined several years ago. The mine is currently closed. An attempt was made to resume operations last year (2009), but just as operations resumed, the price of Zinc dropped and operations were suspended. The Barite has a significant amount of Strontium in place of Barium; and specimens are sometimes listed as Strontian Barite. The Barite rests on a bed of Sphalerite.

9 x 8.5 x 5 cm

Sold Specimen retained as part of the Minerals Sold But Not Forgotten Galleries