Galena with Fluorite

Large and complexly developed bright Galena crystals almost cover a small matrix of pale lilac cubic Fluorite crystals to 15 mm from the Blackdene Mine at Ireshopeburn in Weardale, County Durham.  The Galena crystals are intergrown, with the largest distinct crystal measuring 46 mm across.  All crystals are very well developed, but due to their stepped growth and interpenetrant nature, form a complex cluster.  The Fluorite matrix beneath the specimen contains a pale green band.  An excellent Galena for this mine which closed in 1987.