Pyrolusite - Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, UK

Pyrolusite

Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England, UK

85 x 56 x 70mm                                                   513gms

Radiating silver to gunmetal grey metallic crystal sprays, giving an eye-catching display against the host reddish coloured rock.

A significant and large Cornish cabinet display specimen.  Stands well.

This mine was originally named Trinity mine when first opened in 1797, and renamed the Restormel Royal Iron mine in 1846 after a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The mining operation removed high quality hematite Iron that was transported possibly to South Wales for smelting. At the time it was considered Cornwall's largest producer of Iron in the 19th Century.

The mine comprised three levels or adits, all of which were worked. There were also some open cast workings. At its peak the mine employed 120 miners. It produced an average of 4,500 tons of ore annually over most of its productive lifetime. It closed in 1883.

Ex. J.Nichols no.1050  10/08/1987

Ex. Colleen Thomson collection.                                        

 # TMM22