Fluorite, Galena: Weardale District, North Pennines Orefield, United Kingdom

Description

Species: Fluorite, Galena

Locality: Weardale District, North Pennines Orefield, England, United Kingdom

Dimensions: 24.5 x 13 x 12 cm.

Northern England’s Weardale District in County Durham is known to mineral collectors throughout the world for it’s superb and classic fluorite, galena, calcite, and sphalerite specimens (and much more). This is a fantastic large, highly 3-dimensional group of gemmy, lustrous violet fluorite crystals with sharp cubo-octahedral galena crystals to ~1.5 cm scattered about the fluorite crystals. The fluorite crystals are gemmy and in fine condition, especially considering the large size of this piece. Additionally, the “backside” of this specimen is nearly as good as the “front.” This outstanding old classic was in the collection of the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum for many years and was likely mined in the early 20th century or late 19th century. Mark Cross photo.