Celestobarite and Marcasite – Chipping Sodbury Quarry, Sodbury, Gloucestershire, England, UK

A distinctive celestobarite and marcasite specimen from Chipping Sodbury Quarry in South Gloucestershire, England.

This substantial piece combines dense, banded celestobarite with a broad covering of metallic marcasite. One side reveals warm rusty-orange, ochre, cream and pale grey mineralisation, crossed by subtle bands and veins that highlight the internal structure of the specimen.

When turned, the piece reveals a very different character. Much of the surface is covered with silvery-bronze marcasite, forming closely packed, blade-like and radiating textures that produce a strong metallic shimmer beneath direct light. Darker brown areas and small natural cavities break up the reflective surface and add further depth.

A cut or naturally exposed edge displays pale grey and softly pink-toned banding within the celestobarite, creating an attractive contrast with the darker iron staining and metallic marcasite. This varied appearance makes the specimen interesting from every angle, with each face revealing a different stage of its mineral formation.

Celestobarite is a barium-rich variety of celestine belonging to the baryte–celestine mineral series. Chipping Sodbury Quarry, formerly known to collectors as Hampstead Farm Quarry, is a classic British locality for this unusual mineral and has also produced specimens associated with marcasite.

Its unusual mineral combination, layered colour and strong metallic surface make this an appealing piece for collectors of British minerals, unusual sulphates and specimens connected with the mineral heritage of Gloucestershire.

Celestine and celestobarite are often symbolically associated with peace, clear communication, spiritual awareness and a sense of calm. Marcasite is traditionally linked with confidence, courage, reflection and protection, giving the combination a balanced symbolism of clarity and strength.

Approx. size:
Approx. weight:
Material: Celestobarite and Marcasite
Quarry: Chipping Sodbury Quarry, formerly Hampstead Farm Quarry
Location: Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, England, UK

Each specimen will come with a locality card detailing the mineral, quarry and location information.

Please note: This is a natural mineral specimen and will include natural variation in colour, lustre, mineral formation, texture and surface markings. Natural chips, inclusions, cavities, oxidation, rough areas and uneven edges are part of its geological character.