Cassiterite - Birch Tor & Vitifer Mine, England, UK

Cassiterite

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Birch Tor & Vitifer mine lies right in the heart of Dartmoor not far from the famous Warren House Inn. Tin mining in the area dates to medieval times as surface trenches and hushes, but the neighbouring Birch Tor and Vitifer mines both commenced underground operations during the 1750s. The harsh landscape and mining conditions reportedly led to many deaths and even their accomodation included shared beds in use nearly 24 hours a day (and night). This old specimen from Bruce Grant's collection bears a very old handwritten label stating "Tin ore from Dartmoor". Although not specific to Birch Tor & Vitifer mine this is the interpretation made by the previous owner. It is certainly very typical of the ore from these mines, comprising massive brown Cassiterite intergrown with black specular Hematite and is a fine historical piece.