Galena

This beautiful small miniature cluster of ex-matrix Galena crystals is from Blackdene mine by the village of Ireshopeburn in Weardale, County Durham.  Although perhaps better known as a famous fluorite-producing mine, Blackdene began as a lead mine and exploitation of the major veins began in the 15th century.  The Galena forms a principal complex cube measuring 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 cm, modified between the cube and octahedron but displaying an asymmetric habit with other, smaller such crystals branching out in various directions.  A beautiful and very nicely crystallised Galena from Blackdene mine.