4" Honey Colored Barite Crystals on Fluorescent Calcite - Elk Creek

Elk Creek, South Dakota is renowned for producing these calcite and barite specimens. The barite crystals collected from here are considered some of the nicest specimens around the world and can sell for thousands of dollars. These mineral specimens form as fossiliferous septarian, calcareous concretions that erode out of the Gregory Member of the Pierre Shale. These concretions have to be carefully opened with specialized diamond saws. If opened incorrectly or too hastily, the calcite and world-class barite crystals can be damaged easily.