Ludlamite on Quartz

Unknown Owner

Wheal Jane is an old mine whose origins go back to the early 1700s. which underwent a revived period of operation in the early 1970s and 80s, eventually closing in 1991. I was lucky enough to make an underground visit in late 1975 and can remember wading along a deep drive with water to over my waist, the temperature of fairly hot bath water! Wheal Jane is situated at Baldhu, near to Kea in Cornwall and is approximately half way between Redruth and Falmouth. Thirty seven mineral species are recorded from here and it is the type locality for the iron-manganese-magnesium phosphate, Ludlamite. This small cabinet specimen, found in the 11-15 Decline, is a beautiful example, displaying about 30 gemmy to translucent, light apple green lozenge-shaped crystals scattered over a bed of prismatic, terminated Quartz crystals whose upper halves are colourless, clear and often gemmy. The much of the Quartz is stained or tinted tan-salmon due to iron.in the system. A tremendous example of this Cornish classic!