Sphalerite from Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor, England, UK - image 1
Sphalerite from Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor, England, UK - image 2

Sphalerite from Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor, England, UK

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Lustrous black crystals of sphalerite to 1.0 cm in size on matrix. In good condition. The Smallcleugh Mine in Nenthead, Cumbria, England, had its primary access horse level driven around 1770, expanded significantly under the London Lead Company starting in 1787, discovered its rich flat ore deposits in 1796, and ultimately ended regular underground commercial production in the early years of the 20th century, around 1920, though minor reprocessing and exploration occurred later. Geologically, the mine is renowned for its extensive flat replacement deposits formed within the Carboniferous Great Limestone through metasomatic alteration by mineralizing fluids, yielding significant concentrations of galena and sphalerite along fault-controlled structures within the North Pennine orefield.

Product details

SpeciesSphalerite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.5 x 7.0 x 4.5 cm
Added on09/17/2026
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Oct 2026
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Weinrich MineralsNot disclosed

Learn more

Sphalerite
Mineral guide
Learn about Sphalerite
a spectrum of colors and crystal forms, resinous to adamantine luster, gemmy on matrix; prized by collectors for iconic localities and displays.
Sphalerite
Regional guide
Sphalerite from Smallcleugh Mine
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Locality guide
Smallcleugh Mine
Smallcleugh Mine, UK - a classic Nenthead locality famed for galena, sphalerite, and calcite-rich flats; distinctive, vuggy ore bodies prized by collectors.