Blagill Mine
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY741473 | — | Favourable | 0.69 | 2021-02-22 |
Geology & landscape
Rock Type: Limestone
Description
Description Blagill Mine is located adjacent and to the east of the B6294, at the small settlement of Blagill, some two and a half kilometres north east of Alston. It comprises an east north east to west south west trending vein up to 2.4 metres wide and known as Fistas Rake. The site is the world type locality and the main source of the rare double carbonate barytocalcite, which is the most abundant gangue mineral and was mined commercially for a time. Large amounts of barytocalcite showing the distinctive monoclinic crystal form may be found lining vugs in more compact crystalline barytocalcite. Blocks of limestone partially replaced by, or veined by barytocalcite can also be found. Witherite is a minor constituent and barytocalcite is demonstrably later than witherite in the paragenetic sequence. Blagill Mine is not only a world type locality but is also important in providing evidence of the North Pennine paragenetic sequence and the inter relationships of the various Ba and Ca bearing phases.