Fluorite

Unknown Owner

Despite being one of the most productive lead mines in Weardale, and having a history dating back to the 18th century, it is rare to see fine, display worthy specimens of Fluorite from Burtree Pasture mine. This quite large and well-crystallized pale purple Fluorite specimen was once in Jesse Fisher's collection and features cubic crystals to about 5 cm on edge. These crystals are in great condition and although their colour is not as dramatic as seen in other Weardale deposits they are still impressive and display the classic vivid violet fluorescence under longwave UV light. Minor orange iron oxides are also present on the surface of some of the Fluorite crystals, but as staining rather than crystallized coatings. A rare piece from this historic mine.