Mimetite from Dry Gill Mine, England, UK - image 1
Mimetite from Dry Gill Mine, England, UK - image 2

Mimetite from Dry Gill Mine, England, UK

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A classic British specimen with rounded lustrous crystal groupings of mimetite, this is the variety known as campylite, measuring to 1.2 cm across on matrix. Very slight micro-damage present, this still in good condition. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video dating this to the early 20th century if not earlier.The Dry Gill Mine is located in the remote and rugged Caldbeck Fells of Cumbria, England, within the Northern Lake District. Geologically, the deposit is situated along a major north-south trending fault zone that cuts through the Ordovician-aged Skiddaw Group slates and volcanic rocks of the Eycott Volcanic Group. The mineralization consists of hydrothermal quartz veins that were heavily enriched with lead and arsenic, which later underwent intense oxidation to form a suite of rare secondary minerals. Historically, the mine was worked intermittently from the mid-18th century through the mid-19th century, primarily for lead and copper, though it was never a major industrial success due to its difficult high-altitude location. The site is world-famous among collectors as the premier locality for campylite, a distinctive barrel-shaped variety of mimetite. This variety is characterized by its curved, sub-hexagonal crystals that often resemble small casks or barrels, typically displaying a rich, saturated color ranging from brownish-red to a bright, golden-orange. These specimens are highly coveted for their unique crystal habit and represent a classic example of the specialized mineralogy found in the British Isles.

Product details

SpeciesMimetite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.5 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm
Added on04/22/2026
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Oct 2026
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Weinrich MineralsNot disclosed

Learn more

Mimetite
Mineral guide
Learn about Mimetite
lead arsenate chloride crystals from canary yellow to orange; hexagonal prisms and campylite forms showcase color, variety, and localities.
Mimetite
Regional guide
Mimetite from Dry Gill Mine, Caldbeck Fells, England
Dry Gill Mine, Caldbeck Fells, England - classic home of British campylite; mimetite barrels in quartz-manganese gangue, prized for color, form, and locality.
Locality guide
Dry Gill Mine
Dry Gill Mine, UK - a renowned British locality for mimetite and campylite, with lustrous crystals on quartz and baryte; valued for sculptural form and color.