Calcite

Stank mine lies in the southern West Cumbrian iron ore field, somewhat south of the more famous Egremont-Frizington mining district and is named for the Parish of Stank.  Although now in the county of Cumbria, during its period of operation Stank lay in north Lancashire, hence Lancashire, or its abbreviation ‘Lancs’ is frequently seen on old labels.  Although great Hematite specimens come from Stank, it is more famous for its excellent Calcite.  This small miniature of milky, semi-transparent scalenohedral Calcite crystals, with perfect striated terminations (which look slightly rounded) is an excellent buy at $225 and even comes with an old unprovenanced handwritten label stating, ‘Stank Iron Mine, Lancs’, priced at 2/- (two shillings).  There were twenty shillings to one pound.