The facts
What witherite actually is
Mineralogically, witherite is aragonite group — BaCO₃, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to milky white; usually translucent with a resinous to vitreous lustre. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.529–1.677, and the specific gravity sits near 4.29; cleavage is distinct {010}, poor {110}.
Where witherite comes from
The recognised sources are Alston Moor and Nentsberry, Cumbria, England, Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, USA and Fallowfield Mine, Northumberland, England.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How witherite is treated
Untreated. Barium carbonate is toxic if ingested, so cut material should not be used for vessels. Pseudohexagonal twinned crystals from the northern Pennines are the classic specimens.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What witherite is confused with
The usual confusions are Strontianite, Barite, Calcite and Aragonite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.529–1.677 and specific gravity 4.29 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What witherite is used for
Witherite is bought by mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 3–3.5; cleavage distinct {010}, poor {110}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What witherite costs
Indicative pricing for witherite is Specimens $40–$2,000; faceted stones $50–$200/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is witherite treated, and how?
Untreated. Barium carbonate is toxic if ingested, so cut material should not be used for vessels. Pseudohexagonal twinned crystals from the northern Pennines are the classic specimens.
Where does witherite come from?
Alston Moor and Nentsberry, Cumbria, England, Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, USA and Fallowfield Mine, Northumberland, England. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is witherite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3–3.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does witherite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $40–$2,000; faceted stones $50–$200/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is witherite confused with?
Most often Strontianite, Barite, Calcite and Aragonite. A refractive index of 1.529–1.677 and a specific gravity near 4.29 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for witherite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about witherite