FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Philip G]

Refering to the Kellet calcite piece ( https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=6647#6647 )

The problem we have in North Lancashire/Cumbria border region is the lack of reference specimens available for any material recovered from such a specimen poor area. Being directly inbetween the richer North Pennine, South Cumbria and Bowland orefields it is unfortunate that most of the local roadstone limestone quarries are quite poor in mineral veins - with only few examples of relatively minor mineralisation.

There are some small old copper workings showing locally though, with accompanying malachite, azurite (see photo), chalcopyrite, pyrite and very minor amounts of sphalerite and galena - although these workings are long closed and mostly now on private land. Some are also subjected to preservation orders. Also seen locally is a smattering of ancient iron workings with very few remnants of hematite left - both kidney ore and reddle.

Some very nice sprays of acicular manganese oxides (probable ?pyrolusite) can be found in the vuggy manganese dolomitic ironstones within the large recently closed Middlebarrow limestone quarry. Interestingly, in view of your picture of presumed ?manganese dendrites, there are also many examples of similar dendrites in situ on local quarry walls (if exploring these workings be very aware of extremely dangerous loose overhanging rocks on the first level benches directly above). Also seen are veins of red-banded hematite included 'beef' calcite with fluorescent brown aragonite banding plus several other varieties of calcite and some minor quartz!

There are also references to some minor traces of galena and sphalerite present in some Caton Moor nodules - although i have not personally come across any.

Not exactly a rich specimen collecting area but i still think it holds some quite interesting old locations and the occasional surprise can (and does!) sometime pop up. Even on Morecambe sea front !!

Cheers.
Phil

[Jordi Fabre]

Interesting topic Philip. Please continue!

Jordi

[mohdgeo]

thank you for this topic