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Witherite

Crystal system · Orthorhombic

Witherite is a carbonate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.

Witherite specimen
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

About Witheriteextended article

Mohs 3–3.5
Vickers (~) 170 HV
Knoop (~) 185 HK
Geological setting
Hydrothermal
Element composition by mass

Formula: BaCO₃ · molar mass: 197.34 g/mol

Ba 69.59%
O 24.32%
C 6.09%

Computed from atomic weights (IUPAC 2021). Site-occupancy groups (Fe,Mn) split equally.

Mohs Hardness 3–3.5

Witherite sits at 3–3.5 on the Mohs scale — can be scratched by a steel knife.

Colors:
Streak
White
Crystal system
Orthorhombic
CarbonatesCarbonates
TL;DR · 1 min read
Witherite (BaCO₃) is barium carbonate — the carbonate analog of baryte (BaSO₄). Named after English chemist William Withering, it is the principal carbonate ore of barium.

Witherite (BaCO₃) is barium carbonate — the carbonate analog of baryte (BaSO₄). Named after English chemist William Withering, it is the principal carbonate ore of barium. Witherite forms in low-temperature hydrothermal vein assemblages, often paired with galena and fluorite. Northumberland and Cumberland (England) are the historical type-area sources for collector specimens.

More minerals to explore

About Witherite

Witherite belongs to the carbonate class in the aragonite group and has the chemical formula BaCO3. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is relatively soft, requiring careful handling.

Identification & care

Specimens usually show pseudo-hexagonal dipyramids (twinned), massive, granular. Its color range is broad, including colorless, white, pale gray, and pale yellow. The luster is vitreous to resinous, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is distinct {010}. The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.

Collector context

Collector notes

For collectors, Witherite is a benchmark crystalline species. Witherite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Sichuan, Hubei, Liaoning, Shaanxi.

Frequently asked questions

What is Witherite?

Witherite is a carbonate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with known Chinese sources.

What is the chemical formula of Witherite?

The chemical formula of Witherite is BaCO3.

What crystal system does Witherite belong to?

Witherite crystallises in the Orthorhombic crystal system.

References & databases

Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.