Purple Rain Pocket
Fairy Hole Vein, Lady Annabella Mine, Eastgate Quarry, Eastgate, Stanhope, County Durham, England, UK
Key Information
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The Purple Rain Pocket is located in Eastgate, County Durham, England, within the Fairy Hole Vein of the Lady Annabella Mine, known for its purple fluorite.
It produces mainly fluorite and galena, with the fluorite being particularly noted for its intense purple color.
The geological structure involves limestone and shale, formed by hydrothermal processes, with veins like Fairy Hole enhancing mineral deposition.
Mining started in July 2021, named for the rain during extraction, and is part of an active mine with a rich history.
The area has a temperate climate with 26 inches of annual rainfall, influencing both mining and local ecology, and is culturally significant in Weardale.
Location and Minerals
The Purple Rain Pocket is nestled in Eastgate, a small village in Weardale, County Durham, England, part of the Lady Annabella Mine in Eastgate Quarry. This site is famous among mineral enthusiasts for its striking purple fluorite, alongside galena. The area's location, a few miles west of Stanhope, places it in a region rich with mining history and natural beauty.
Geological and Mining Insights
Research suggests the pocket lies within the Great Limestone Formation, featuring flat-lying limestone and shale beds, with fossils like corals and crinoids. The Fairy Hole Vein, where the pocket is found, is one of several veins, including the Bull and Wilson Veins, formed by hydrothermal brines. Mining began in July 2021, named for the continuous rain during extraction, reflecting the area's 26-inch annual rainfall. It's part of ongoing operations at the mine, which started in 2020, continuing a long tradition of mineral extraction.
Cultural and Environmental Context
The region, part of the Durham Dales, has a temperate oceanic climate, supporting a unique ecology adapted to limestone. Culturally, Eastgate and Stanhope are steeped in history, with Eastgate marking the eastern edge of a historic hunting park. The area's mining heritage adds depth, with names like Purple Rain Pocket reflecting both weather and local character.