Barite, Quartz (Sugar Cube Barite)

Barite, Quartz (Sugar Cube Barite)

Anglo Gold Murray Mine, Independence Mountains, Elko Co., Nevada, USA

In the early part of this century a one time discovery of barites covered with duzy white quartz was found at the Anglo Gold Murry Mine.  The miners referred to the material as "sugar cubes" and thus the name stuck.

Casey and Jane Jones of Geoprime minerals were responsible for mining this material from the very limited number of pockets.  This find has never been repeated and as such this material is quite rare.  The matrix is a stunning black covered with clear druzy quartz which makes for an excellent contrast in color.  This specimen was the finest and largest specimen ever found.

Photo Credit:  Jeff Scovill