Detailed information
Species
Mimetite, Baryte
Dimensions
65 x 44 x 40
mm
Locality
Dry Gill Mine Caldbeck Fells, Cumbria England
Condition
No recorded repairs
Classic burnt toffee orange to mustard yellow, completly intergrown barrel habit crystals of Mimetite, variety Campylite, from Dry Gill mine, in the Caldbeck Fells of Cumbria, north west England. Usually, Campylite is found as single bent hexagonal crystals on a dull black manganese matrix, however, this specimen is much more uncommon; in fact very rare, to be more accurate. It has formed an entirely crystallised crust over the white platy Baryte matrix, yet has still managed to keep its definition and recognisable crystals. Although not a term often applied to a particular habit, cauliflower-like is most apt. Given its colour, toasted cauliflower cheese is a near-perfect description; an excellent combination of colours and textures be they from the Caldbeck Fells or on a dinner plate! The specimen retains traces of the characteristic manganese oxides found at Dry Gill; these being richer on the base and the back of the specimen.