17
Hematite with Fluorite Quartz and Dolomite
This fabulous, good-sized cabinet specimen embraces most of the minerals for which west Cumbria is rightly famous; Hematite as both Kidney ore and Specularite; Fluorite; Quartz and Dolomite. It is labelled as Egremont, Cumbria and is most likely from either the Florence, Ullcoats or Beckermet mines, all three of which eventually became interconnected underground. The core of this specimen is botryoidal Hematite, commonly called Kidney ore, over which a crust of crystallised Hematite, termed Specularite (or Specular Hematite) forms a roughly triangular-shaped crust, similar to the profile of Africa(!). The apex of this is in turn encrusted with smoky blue-grey Fluorite cubes to 6 mm, double-terminated transparent, slightly smoky Quartz crystals and cream grading to pale pink Dolomite crystals. The combination is classic of west Cumbria, making this a terrific example for any collection, no matter how specialised. It's strange to know that what was once a common commodity in west Cumbria is now so rare an item! In 2014 I visited Egremont and enquired in several likely shops if they had any Hematite for sale - I might as well have been asking for Moon rock! Commercial mining ended in late 1980, although Florence mine was open to visitors until 2007 when specimen could still be collected. All the mines are now flooded and specimens have already attained 'Classic' status.
Unknown Owner
Comments
Known provenance
2025/06
Unknown Owner
$1,750.00—Species and Locality Wiki Pages
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