Witherite

specimen number:
2102269

location:
Nentsberry Haggs Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor, England, UK

description:
Lustrous colorless almost gem crystals of witherite to 2.2 cm in length on matrix. In good condition. Quite choice for the species.

The Nentsberry Haggs Mine, located near Alston in the North Pennines of Cumbria, England, is a classic example of a multi-level lead and zinc operation within the Alston Moor orefield. Geologically, the mine exploited a series of productive hydrothermal veins, most notably the High and Low Raise veins, which were hosted in the Carboniferous Great Limestone and Four Fathom Limestone. These veins were rich in galena and sphalerite, often accompanied by gangue minerals like witherite and baryte, which became economically significant in later years. Historically, the mine was developed in the late 18th century, but its most productive era began in the late 1800s and continued under the Vieille Montagne Zinc Company in the early 20th century. This period saw the mine become one of the principal zinc producers in the United Kingdom, with operations continuing until the final closure in 1953. Today, the mine is well-regarded by mineralogists for producing world-class specimens of witherite and baryte, and its extensive underground levels remain a significant site for studying the industrial heritage of the North Pennine lead industry.

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