Hematite

Unknown Owner

A wonderful large attractive example of what is known as kidney ore hematite, this bright lustrous reddish botryoidal hematite on matrix. In good condition.The Beckermet Mine near Egremont in Cumbria, England was part of the West Cumberland iron mining district that developed during the 19th century. The mine worked hematite ore deposits found in limestone and related sedimentary rocks. These high grade iron ores were mined by underground methods and supplied iron for the rapidly growing British steel industry. Like many mines in the region, operations declined during the 20th century as ore reserves were depleted and iron production shifted to other sources.