Fluorite with Siderite, Calcite

specimen number:
1052360

location:
Alston Moor, Cumbria, England, UK

description:

Beautiful glassy gemmy purple cubic crystals of fluorite to 3.0 cm on edge aesthetic in a cluster with crystallized siderite and calcite. Slight damage present as seen. Brightly fluorescent. Very fine old time specimen that comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video. Brightly fluorescent. Many of the crystals exhibit penetration twinning.  Note the color in sunlight as shown in the second photo.

Mining at Alston Moor in Cumbria, England has a long history dating back to Roman times, with major development occurring from the 17th through the 19th centuries. The district became one of the most important lead mining areas in Britain, working hydrothermal veins that cut Carboniferous limestone and sandstone. Galena was the principal ore mineral, often containing significant silver, and was mined from numerous small underground operations scattered across the moor. The area is also well known among mineral collectors for fine specimens of fluorite, calcite, and other secondary minerals from this classic northern England mining district.

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