How Did Witherite Get Its Name?
The Material Derives Its Name from That of Dr. W. Withering, a Birmingham Physician and Amateur Geologist, Who in 1784 When Examining Samples Taken from an Old...
The material derives its name from that of Dr. W. Withering, a Birmingham physician and amateur geologist, who in 1784 when examining samples taken from an old lead mine at Alston Moor, on the borders of Cumberland and Northumberland, first recognized the mineral to be chemically distinct from barytes.
Is Witherite toxic?
Witherite (barium carbonate) is toxic if ingested. Finished gems and crystals, however, should pose no risk.
What mineral group is Witherite in?
Witherite is a barium carbonate mineral, BaCO3, in the aragonite group.