Hematite with Quartz

specimen number:
2062556

location:
Beckermet Mine, Egremont, Cumbria, England, UK

description:
Classic British specimen, right lustrous micaceous metallic crystals of hematite averaging 0.3 cm in size is covering the top of matrix. Scattered throughout are gemmy slightly smoky glassy crystals of quartz to 0.8 cm in size. This is in good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

The Beckermet Mine, located near Egremont in Cumbria, England, was a major underground iron ore extraction site that began production in the early 20th century, specifically starting operations around 1914 alongside related local workings. It operated extensively through periods of nationalisation and industrial consolidation, linking underground tunnels with neighboring pits such as Ullcoats before facing permanent closure in October 1980 during a broader rationalisation of the steel industry. Geologically, the mine was situated within the rich West Cumberland iron field, where valuable deposits of high-grade red hematite ore formed replacement bodies within Carboniferous limestone formations beneath the local terrain.

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