Fluorite with Siderite
Unknown Owner
A classic specimen for this area, light purple lustrous slightly translucent cubic crystals of fluorite measuring to 2.7 cm in size forming an attractive cluster with minor siderite. Completely crystallized all around with no points of attachment. Brightly fluorescent. Slight micro-chipping present, still in good condition.Weardale, situated within the North Pennines Orefield in County Durham, England, is a world-class locality celebrated for its exceptional fluorite specimens. Geologically, the region features a series of Carboniferous limestones and sandstones intruded by the subterranean Whin Sill, where hydrothermal fluids deposited minerals in a classic "Great Limestone" host. Weardale fluorite is iconic for its high transparency, sharp cubic habits, and remarkable strong daylight fluorescence, with colors ranging from the famous deep emerald green of the Rogerley Mine to the vibrant purples and yellows of the Heights and Blackdene mines. Historically, mining and quarrying in the dale date back to Roman times, but the industry peaked during the 19th and early 20th centuries when operations targeted galena for lead and later shifted to fluorite for use as an industrial flux in steelmaking. While most commercial lead and fluorspar mines closed by the late 20th century, a specialized modern era of specimen mining began in the 1990s and continues through 2026, specifically to recover world-class crystals for the global collector market.
Product details
Species
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.0 x 5.5 x 3.5 cm
Added on05/14/2026
Locality
Weardale, Co., Durham, England, UK
Known provenance
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| 05/2026 | Unknown Owner | $280.00 |
| — | Weinrich Minerals | Not disclosed |
Comments