Aragonite

Like many west Cumbrian localities, the Cleator Moor iron mines have a quite limited suite of minerals, but all are capable of producing excellent specimens.  This single, off-matrix Aragonite crystal stands almost 9 cm tall and grades from translucent greyish-cream to semi-transparent and colourless.  The crystal tapers from a broad base to a pointed tip and has striated prism faces, many of which have small terminations causing the crystal to gradually narrow.  The initial 2 cm above its base contains dark grey plumose inclusions, probably a clay group mineral. A very fine Aragonite.