Fluorite with Galena

Unknown Owner

Middlehope Shield mine is one of the most significant of early Fluorite occurrences in the North Pennines – the site where emerald-green Fluorite was first noticed back in 1817. They are not quite as rare as hen’s teeth, but the access tunnel – White’s Level - collapsed nearly a century ago and so the few specimens in historic collections are highly prized. The example here is really large compared to most that come up for sale and retains its lovely green colour. Not surprisingly it was in the magnificent Fluorite collection assembled by George Farr. Individually, the largest Fluorite crystal reaches 2 cm on edge and virtually all are interpenetrant twins. The crystals are glassy and bright and display fine surface growth lines related to twinning along with the characteristic bevelled edges seen in Middlehope Shield Fluorites. The majority of the crystals are in perfect condition - somewhat of a miracle considering this specimen is well over 150 years old. Alongside the Fluorite are tarnished rounded Galena crystals and the matrix is sandstone - this being one of the few mines where Fluorite occurred with sandstone - the Quarry Hazle sandstone unit. A very impressive and striking Middlehope Shield Fluorite.