Sphalerite

$600.00

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Force Crag mine at Coledale in the English Lake District, Cumbria was one of the last mines to close in Cumbria - in 1991 - but was worked by a group of collectors as a specimen mine for a number of years afterwards. This large display specimen is a classic from Force Crag mine, showing the distinctive combination of large glossy, black, well-formed Sphalerite crystals with orange rosettes of Siderite on massive white Quartz. The Siderite coating becomes more extensive on the back of the specimen but is nowhere near as attractive as the combination on the front, and on the back some of the Sphalerite crystals are damaged. A specimen from Force Crag mine graces the cover of the 1987 British Geological Survey book, Glossary of the minerals of the Lake District and adjoining areas, but this one looks far superior. Ex David Hardman collection, no. 408.