Galena on Fluorite

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Blackdene mine is adjacent to the small village of Ireshopeburn by the River Wear, from which the name Weardale is derived. This lead and fluorspar mine is amongst the oldest in County Durham, dating to at least the early 15th century (early 1400's). This excellent cabinet specimen is composed almost entirely of small pale to deep lavender Fluorite crystals covering the top surface of a Fluorite-rich ironstone matrix. The cubic crystals average between 5 and 7 mm on edge, although one single crystal is 1.3 cm on edge. Small patches of milky-white Fluorite interrupt the expanse of lavender and just off-centre sits a nice cluster of well developed bright graphite-silver Galena crystals to 2 cm wide, displaying modified cuboctahedral habits. In direct daylight most of the Fluorite crystals naturally fluoresce a captivating rich purple and under LWUV the entire coverage of Fluorite is a stunning bright lilac-white. Blackdene mine is one of the classic Weardale locations and this specimen is a great representative piece.