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Witherite

A species of Aragonite Group, Also known as Barolite, Sulphato-Carbonate of Baryta

Witherite is a tricky mineral to catch because natural processes can easily transform it into Barite. Industrially, this mineral is used to make glass but rarely are specimens found large enough for a collector's piece. In the early 18th century, witherite was used as rat poison and is documented to have caused illness in humans.

Hardness:

3 - 3.5

Density:

4.29 g/cm³

General Info About Witherite

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Physical Properties of Witherite

Luster

Vitreous, Resinous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Colourless, white, greyish, light yellow, colourless in transmitted light

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Good

Fracture

Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

3 - 3.5 , Soft

Density

4.29 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Witherite

Chemical Classification

Carbonates

Formula

BaCO₃

Elements listed

Ba, C, O

Common Impurities

Ca, Sr

Optical Properties of Witherite

Refractive Index

1.529-1.680

Birefringence

0.148

Pleochroism

None

Optical Character

Biaxial negative

Health Risk of Witherite

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What is the hazards of Witherite?

Harm Type

Heavy Metals

Witherite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Barium.

The 18th-century naturalist Dr. Leigh recorded its lethal effects after the death of a farmer's wife and child. James Watt Jnr. experimented with the mineral on animals and he recorded the same lethal properties. Until the 18th century farmers at Anglezarke used the mineral as rat poison.

Barium

How to prevent the risks of Witherite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!

Avoid putting it into mouth!

It's advisable to handle witherite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing witherite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store witherite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Witherite

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Cultural Significance of Witherite

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Uses of Witherite

Despite its rarity, witherite is the most common ore of barium. This mineral is used in the production of glass, cement, paint, and pottery. Witherite is also used in case-hardening steel and refining sugar. Though it is sometimes collected as a gemstone or used in jewelry, this is uncommon due to its softness.

Distribution of Witherite

Witherite occurrences include: Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, US; Pigeon Roost Mine, Glenwood, Arkansas, US; Settlingstones Mine Northumberland; Alston Moor, Cumbria; Anglezarke, Lancashire and Burnhope, County Durham, England; Thunder Bay area, Ontario, Canada, Germany, and Poland (Tarnowskie Góry and Tajno at Suwałki Region).

Etymology of Witherite

In 1789 the eminent German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner named the mineral witherite in honour of William Withering. The Matthew Boulton mineral collection of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery may contain one of the earliest known specimens of witherite. A label in Boulton's handwriting, records: "No.2 Terra Ponderosa Aerata, given me by Dr. Withering”.