Sphalerite specimen from this classic and renowned English mine. It features a druse of faceted, highly lustrous sphalerite crystals. Good size for an English classic.
Smallcleugh mine is well known amongst British mineral collectors for its specimens of galena, sphalerite, ankerite, and calcite. The mine was first developed for a brief period starting in 1770, working a series of veins. Although it does not appear to have gotten into its stride until 1787, it operated until its closure in the early 20th century. In 1963, an unsuccessful attempt was made to locate further ore reserves. The most famous anecdote associated with the mine is the underground dinner held by the Masonic Lodge in the so-called Ballroom Flats in 1901. The first amateur exploration of the mine likely took place in the late 1960s.

100 €

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