Pyromorphite specimens from Bwlch Glas Mine, Wales

Pyromorphite specimens from Bwlch Glas Mine, Wales

Green Pyromorphite crystals on a silicified limestone matrix, from the Bwlch Glas Mine, Tal-y-bont, Ceulanymaesmawr, Ceredigion, Wales, UK.

Pyromorphite is a lead based mineral that was once used as a lead ore - so careful handling is recommended.

The limestone matrix is friable and often contains cracks - I'm not sure if this is due to the stone being blasted out, but it seems unlikely given the pyromorphite crystals remain in excellent condition.

Bwlch Glas was a lead mine working between 1880 and 1916, producing tons of lead and zinc ore.

It is now abandoned and at least partially flooded so further collection is unlikely - these pieces came from an older collection.