Chlorite & Siderite Mineral Specimen | Drakewalls Mine, Cornwall

A fascinating Chlorite and Siderite mineral specimen from Drakewalls Mine, Gunnislake, Cornwall, displaying dark green-grey mineralisation, finely textured crystalline surfaces and scattered pale crystal formations.

Weighing approximately 90g, this natural specimen has a rugged, irregular appearance, with a densely textured surface that catches the light in tiny sparkling points. Its predominantly dark green-grey colouring is complemented by subtle earthy-brown areas, small white to translucent crystals and naturally occurring cavities.

The specimen reveals different mineral textures across its surface, from compact, finely crystalline areas to more uneven sections containing small exposed crystal growths. Scattered rusty-orange staining adds further contrast, highlighting the varied mineralisation present within the piece.

Viewed from different angles, the specimen displays a combination of rough matrix, delicate crystalline deposits and small pockets of contrasting mineral growth. These natural features give it a distinctive character, making it an interesting addition to a collection of British minerals and historic Cornish mining specimens.

Measuring approximately 39.8mm × 54.2mm, this is an individual specimen associated with Drakewalls Mine in the Gunnislake area of Cornwall, a region with a long history of copper, tin and other metalliferous mining.

About the Minerals

Chlorite refers to a group of hydrous, magnesium- and iron-bearing sheet silicate minerals. Chlorite minerals commonly display green, grey-green or dark green colouring and can occur as fine-grained aggregates, coatings and altered mineral assemblages.

Chlorite is often associated with hydrothermal alteration, where hot mineral-bearing fluids interact with existing rocks and change their mineral composition. In mineral specimens, it may form fine crystalline coatings or occur within the surrounding matrix.

Siderite is an iron carbonate mineral with the chemical formula FeCO3. It commonly forms in hydrothermal mineral veins and can occur in rhombohedral crystals, granular aggregates and compact masses.

Siderite may display pale brown, yellowish-brown, grey or darker earthy tones. Exposure to oxygen and moisture can lead to iron-rich alteration products, sometimes producing rusty-brown staining on mineral surfaces.

The association of these minerals reflects the varied geological processes that can occur within mineralised rock and hydrothermal vein systems.

Drakewalls Mine, Gunnislake, Cornwall

Drakewalls Mine is associated with the historic metalliferous mining landscape around Gunnislake in the Tamar Valley, an area renowned for its copper and tin mining heritage.

The wider Gunnislake and Tamar Valley mining district developed around mineral-rich veins formed through geological processes associated with Cornwall's granite intrusions and hydrothermal mineralisation.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, mining became an important part of the region's economy, with extensive underground workings, engine houses, ore-processing facilities and transport infrastructure supporting the extraction of valuable minerals.

The district forms part of Cornwall's wider industrial mining heritage, where generations of miners worked complex underground mineral veins and contributed to the development of mining engineering and mineral extraction techniques.

Specimens attributed to historic Cornish mines are particularly interesting to collectors because they connect the mineral itself with a named locality and the region's industrial history.

This Chlorite and Siderite specimen is recorded as originating from Drakewalls Mine, making it a distinctive addition to a collection of Cornish minerals, British geological specimens or historic mining localities.

Intention

Grounding & Emotional Balance
Within crystal traditions, Chlorite is associated with cleansing, renewal, balance and connection to nature, while Siderite is symbolically linked with grounding, resilience, stability and inner strength.

Together, these minerals make a symbolic choice for intentions surrounding emotional steadiness, personal growth and maintaining a grounded perspective during periods of change.

Associated Chakras

Heart Chakra
Chlorite's green colouring is traditionally associated with the Heart Chakra, representing balance, compassion, renewal and emotional harmony.

Root Chakra
The iron-rich character and earthy tones of Siderite are symbolically associated with the Root Chakra, representing stability, security, grounding and resilience.

Shape Symbolism

Raw Mineral Specimen
Raw crystals and natural mineral specimens are traditionally associated with authenticity, connection to the Earth and appreciation of natural geological processes.

Unlike polished carvings, raw specimens retain their irregular formations and exposed mineral textures, allowing the natural characteristics of the material to remain visible.

Specimen Details

• Minerals: Chlorite and Siderite
• Locality: Drakewalls Mine, Gunnislake, Cornwall, England
• Shape: Raw Mineral Specimen
• Finish: Natural / Unpolished
• Weight: Approx. 90g
• Dimensions: Approx. 39.8mm × 54.2mm
• Colour: Dark green-grey, earthy brown and pale crystalline accents
• Intention: Grounding & Emotional Balance
• Associated Chakras: Heart and Root
• Collection: Cornish Minerals

You will receive the exact Chlorite and Siderite specimen photographed. Natural variations in mineral texture, crystal formations, colour, surface cavities and irregular edges are part of the individual character of this historic locality specimen.