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Sphalerite from
Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor District, North Pennines, North and Western Region (Cumberland), Cumbria, England, UK

Description
Comments:Specimens are dark brown to black due to the presence of iron in solid solution. Small crystals less than 2mm are sometimes of the ruby variety.
Of particular interest and great rarity are specimens from the replacement deposit above the Hydraulic Shaft, which have fossils coated by white calcite and sprinkled with black sphalerite crystals to 1cm.
The deposit was originally discovered by David Lloyd, and Richard Barstow in the 1970's. David was testing the level wall for hollow sounds indicating a possible cavity, when part of the wall collapsed in leading to this remarkable deposit.
Colour:Black, dark brown
Quality of samples:Good crystals or rich for species - important (!)
Rarity at site:Extremely common
Confirmation
Validity:Believed Valid
References
References:Dunham K C, Geology of the Northern Pennine Orefield , Vol 1, Tyne to Stainmore. HMSO
Data
Mineral Data:Click here to view Sphalerite data
Locality Data:Click here to view Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Alston Moor District, North Pennines, North and Western Region (Cumberland), Cumbria, England, UK
Photo GalleryView Gallery (56 photos)
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Current server date and time: 15th Feb 2012 19:05:41
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