Baryte (Variety: Woodstone)
Barium Sulphate (BaSO4)
[Middleton, Derbyshire]
Oakstone is a type of pseudostalactitic baryte and this specimen is from Arbor Low, Middleton Common, Derbyshire. Locally it is known as “onyx stone” (though it is not onyx). Discovered in the early 19th century, Oakstone was mined for ornamental use as table tops and other objects. Lord Ashcombe’s examples are regarded as particularly fine on account of their size and fine patterning. The polisher has done a superb job in bringing out this stone’s unique pattern.
G. 329 (M. 8) Aschcombe Collection
Fluorite and Dolomite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) and Calcium Magnesium Carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2)
[Durnem, Derbyshire]
G.327 (M.6) Ashcombe Collection
Quartz (Rock Crystal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
This handsome piece probably originated in the Alps in the Isere region of France. Quartz has been mined there since the 17th Century.
G. 334 (M13) Ashcombe Collection
Fluorite and Quartz (Variety: Milky Quartz)
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) and Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
[Derbyshire]
G. 323 (M3) Ashcombe Collection
Fluorite, Quartz (Milky Quartz) and Sphalerite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) and Zinc Sulphide (ZnS)
In this piece fluorite cubes have been covered with a layer of quartz on which are scattered crystals of sphalerite. The colour of the fluorite suggests that it originated in the North Pennines, Weardale or Northumberland.
G. 336 Ashcombe Collection
Calcite (Dog Tooth Spar) with enclosed Pyrite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and Iron Sulphide (FeS2)
Originated in Ecton Mine, Staffordshire. Ecton was a copper mine. Between 100,000 and 150,000 tonnes of copper were mined there from a series of vertical ore ‘pipes’. The mines made the Dukes of Devonshire and the Burgone family fabulously wealthy and at the end of the 18th century, the profits are said to have financed the building of The Crescent in Buxton.
G. 328 Ashcombe Collection
Fluorite and Dolomite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF) and Calcium Magnesium
Carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2)
Originated in Derbyshire
G336. Ashcombe Collection
All images by Royston Williamson
Last : Gentlemen Collectors
