Rogerley Mine
Rogerley Quarry, Stanhope, County Durham, England, UK
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Rogerley Mine, located in Rogerley Quarry near Stanhope, County Durham, England, UK, is renowned for its green fluorite crystals that fluoresce purple under UV light.
It is situated in the Weardale area, known for mineral deposits, with nearby mines like Newlandside Quarry and Stanhopeburn Mine.
The mine's host rock is limestone, with mineralization linked to the Weardale Granite intrusion, forming veins and flats.
Discovered in the early 1970s, it became Britain's first commercial mineral specimen mine, operated by various companies with notable finds like the "Weardale Giant" in 2012.
Stanhope, the nearest town, features historical sites like a 12th-century church and a 320-million-year-old fossil tree, with the Weardale Railway as a local attraction.
The climate is cool and temperate, with higher rainfall in the west, but it does not directly affect mineral production.
Geographic Location
The Rogerley Mine is nestled in Rogerley Quarry, just outside Stanhope, a market town in County Durham, England, UK. This region, part of Weardale, is in the north of England, known for its rich mineral deposits. Nearby, you'll find other notable mineral localities such as Newlandside Quarry and Stanhopeburn Mine, making it a hub for mineral enthusiasts. Stanhope itself is the largest civil parish in England by area, offering a scenic backdrop with the River Wear and connections to nearby towns via the A689 and B6278 roads.
Minerals Produced
The mine is famous for its fluorite (CaF2), particularly green crystals that fluoresce a vibrant purple under UV light, a unique feature due to rare earth elements in Weardale. Other minerals include galena (PbS), sphalerite (ZnS), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), greenockite (CdS), quartz (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), aragonite (CaCO3), siderite (FeCO3), smithsonite (ZnCO3), cerussite (PbCO3), and hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2). This diversity makes it a treasure trove for collectors, with fluorite being the star attraction.
Geological Structure
The host rock is the Great Limestone, where mineralization occurs along faults and veins, influenced by the Weardale Granite intrusion. This granite, part of the North Pennine Batholith, provided heat and fluids millions of years ago, leading to the formation of vertical veins and horizontal flats. These structures are vuggy, yielding fine specimens, and are a result of complex geological processes involving faulting and fluid flow.
Mining History
Discovered in the early 1970s by collectors, the Rogerley Mine became Britain's first commercial mineral specimen mine. It was operated by companies like Cumbria Mining and Mineral Company and UK Mining Ventures, with significant finds including the "Weardale Giant," a 300 kg fluorite specimen found in 2012. The mine has been worked on and off for its magnificent fluorite, with operations focusing on specimen recovery, a unique aspect in the UK.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Stanhope, the nearest town, is a historic market town with attractions like the 12th-century St. Thomas Church, featuring a font made of Frosterley marble, and a 320-million-year-old fossil tree. The Weardale Railway, a heritage line, offers scenic journeys through the Durham Dales, connecting to nearby towns. The area has a rich history of lead mining, adding to its cultural significance.
Climate and Ecology
The climate in County Durham is cool and temperate, with the western parts, including Weardale, experiencing higher rainfall (over 1200 mm annually) and lower temperatures due to elevation. While this does not directly influence mineral production, it affects mining operations, such as water management, and contributes to the region's natural beauty and ecological diversity.