Barite Pseudomorph

Barite nodules are found in the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation in southern Utah. These nodules formed in ancient soils in arid environments. Millions of years later, the barite was replaced with agate, but the original shape of the barite remained. This is a called a pseudomorph, which means “fake shape” because it has the shape of the barite even though it is agate now. The blades of the barite make interesting star-like patterns.