Heights Mine
Westgate, Stanhope, County Durham, England, UK
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Heights Mine is in Westgate, Weardale, County Durham, England, known for fluorite and other minerals.
It features emerald-green fluorite crystals, up to 8 cm, and was historically mined for iron ore and lead.
The mine is in the Great Limestone, a sedimentary rock, with minerals formed through hydrothermal activity.
Mining occurred from 1850 to 1868, now a quarry, with a rich history tied to the Prince Bishops' hunting grounds.
Weardale has a temperate climate with significant rainfall, supporting diverse ecology and outdoor activities.
Geographic Location
Heights Mine is nestled in Westgate, a quaint village in the Weardale region of County Durham, England. This area, part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies north of the River Wear, between Eastgate and Westgate, offering stunning valley views and historical charm.
Minerals Produced
The mine is renowned for its fluorite, with emerald-green twinned crystals and pale purple to colorless varieties, some reaching up to 8 cm. Other minerals include galena, calcite, aragonite, limonite, and quartz. Historically, it was a key source for iron ore and lead, attracting mineral enthusiasts.
Mining and Geological Context
Located in the Great Limestone, a sedimentary rock from the Carboniferous period, the mine's minerals likely formed through hydrothermal activity. It was actively mined for iron ore and lead from 1850 to 1868 by the Weardale Iron Company and Beaumont Company, respectively, and is now a quarry.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
Weardale, once the hunting ground of the Prince Bishops, features historical sites like the Stanhope Deer Park. The temperate climate, with significant rainfall, supports a diverse ecology, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enhancing the region's natural beauty.