United Kingdom

The UK has a long and well-documented mining history, although commercial mining is now a shadow of what it once was.

Historically, Cornwall and Devon were major centres of tin and copper mining. Many of the UK’s most collectible minerals still come from old mine dumps in these areas – including fine specimens of cassiterite, chalcopyrite, fluorite, and quartz.

Fluorite, in particular, is perhaps the most recognisable British mineral, especially the material from Weardale in County Durham. These pieces are often cubic, sometimes colour-zoned, and can show daylight fluorescence. Some of the older Rogerley material is especially well-regarded.

Calcite, galena, and barite are also found across the North Pennines and Peak District. I’ve seen some very good baryte specimens from Cumbria and Yorkshire, often golden or honey-coloured, occasionally with associated galena.

Wales too has its share of interesting pieces – including fine hematite, pyromorphite, and cerussite from older lead workings.

Specimens from the UK are usually well documented, especially older pieces, which are often labelled with specific mines or localities. There’s also a strong collector tradition in the UK, which means a lot of good material is still in private collections or small museum holdings.

We may have some other specimens from the UK, check the links below.

United Kingdom