Siderite with Quartz

specimen number:
2262368

location:
Cornwall, England, UK

description:
The top side of this matrix is covered with dark smoky crystals of quartz to 4.0 cm in size. Scattered throughout are brown sharp rhombohedral crystals of siderite measuring to 0.5 cm in size. Micro-damage present but minimal, this is in good condition for an old timer.

Mining in Cornwall, England, has a rich history spanning over four thousand years, beginning with prehistoric tin extraction by early bronze age traders and expanding dramatically during the industrial revolution. Geologically, the region features a series of large granite plutons intruded into older Devonian and Carboniferous sedimentary and volcanic rocks, creating widespread hydrothermal vein systems. These veins are world-renowned for their complex mineralogy, producing massive quantities of tin and copper, along with valuable deposits of tungsten, arsenic, and lead. Although large-scale commercial extraction peaked in the 19th century before declining due to international competition and resource depletion, iconic historic sites like the Geevor and Levant mines operated well into the 20th century, with the final active tin mine closing in 1998.

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