Settlingstones Mine
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY849688 | — | Favourable | 1.62 | 2015-06-09 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Igneous Intrusion · Mining / Industrial: Mine Spoil
Landscape processes: Volcanic / Igneous
Description
Description The Settlingstones Mine site comprises mine waste dumps which are best noted as a source of fine specimens of witherite and harmotome, products of the nearby and now disused mineshafts. The mine, which is now inaccessible, was for many years the world’s principal source of witherite. The locality is complementary to the neighbouring Stonecroft site in that the wallrocks to the mineralisation veins are whin sill dolerite and that harmotone, associated with witherite and calcite, is found on the dumps. However, at Settlingstones not only is witherite the most important mineral but the 'whin Sill component' to the mineralisation was strongly emphasised by an abundance of nickel arsenic antimony minerals within the mine. Strontianite and barytocalcite have also been recorded from this site which provides a good example of mineralisation from the outer, barium rich zone of the North Pennine Orefield. Other Information 1. This site has been identified as of national importance in the Geological Conservation Review. 2. This site was formerly notified* as part of the Roman Wall SSSI. * Under Section 23 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949.