{"product_id":"pyrite-wheal-jane-mine-kea-cornwall","title":"Pyrite | Wheal Jane Mine, Kea, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful 235g Cornish pyrite specimen featuring an abundance of metallic golden crystals across a contrasting pale quartz-rich matrix, originating from Wheal Jane Mine in the historic mining district near St Day, Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinctive specimen combines brilliant metallic lustre, intricate natural crystallisation and the fascinating industrial heritage of one of Cornwall's best-known modern metalliferous mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis attractive specimen displays extensive pyrite mineralisation across a naturally irregular grey-white matrix, with countless reflective crystal faces creating a beautiful golden shimmer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most striking feature is the dense concentration of brassy metallic pyrite crystals distributed across much of the specimen's surface. These range from tiny sparkling crystal faces to larger, more clearly defined angular formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystals display the characteristic metallic lustre of pyrite, reflecting warm golden and silvery-gold highlights depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral areas reveal tightly intergrown pyrite crystals forming a textured, almost granular surface. Their angular faces catch the light individually, producing a particularly attractive sparkling appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBetween the metallic formations are pale grey and milky-white quartz-rich areas, providing a striking contrast against the darker mineralised sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall natural cavities and openings are visible throughout the specimen, with some exposing delicate pale crystalline growth surrounded by metallic pyrite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubtle darker grey and earthy brown areas add further depth to the specimen, while the reverse displays additional mineralisation and exposed matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen retains its natural, unpolished structure, including irregular edges, small cavities and exposed mineral surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts substantial coverage of metallic crystals makes this a particularly attractive example of Cornish pyrite, suitable for collectors of British minerals, historic mining specimens and naturally crystallised sulphide minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Minerals\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePyrite (FeS₂)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an iron sulphide mineral belonging to the cubic crystal system, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 6–6.5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is one of the most widespread sulphide minerals and is recognised for its distinctive pale brass-yellow colour and brilliant metallic lustre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePyrite is commonly referred to as \u003cstrong\u003eFool's Gold\u003c\/strong\u003e because its metallic golden appearance has historically caused it to be mistaken for native gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike gold, however, pyrite is relatively brittle and commonly forms well-defined geometric crystals, including cubes, pyritohedra and octahedra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePyrite frequently develops in hydrothermal mineral veins when iron-bearing fluids interact with sulphur under suitable geological conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is commonly associated with quartz and other metallic sulphide minerals, particularly in deposits containing copper, tin, zinc and lead mineralisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this specimen, the pyrite occurs as numerous closely associated metallic crystals distributed across a pale quartz-rich matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuartz (SiO₂)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a silicon dioxide mineral belonging to the trigonal crystal system, with a Mohs hardness of 7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eQuartz commonly forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids circulate through fractures and cavities, gradually depositing crystalline material as temperature, pressure and fluid chemistry change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe association of pyrite and quartz is characteristic of many hydrothermal mineral deposits found throughout Cornwall's historic mining districts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePyrite is an important mineral in the study of ore-forming processes, helping geologists understand the chemical conditions under which metallic mineral deposits developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMine History \u0026amp; Cornish Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWheal Jane Mine\u003c\/strong\u003e is situated near Baldhu in the parish of Kea, Cornwall, within the historic metalliferous mining district surrounding St Day and Chacewater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMining activity at Wheal Jane dates back to at least the mid-eighteenth century, when the surrounding district was extensively worked for tin and other valuable metals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mineral lodes of the Baldhu district were historically worked by several individual mines, many of which were brought together under the name Falmouth Consolidated in 1906.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the twentieth century, Wheal Jane developed into one of Cornwall's significant modern underground tin mines. Major redevelopment began during the 1960s, introducing deeper workings and modern extraction and processing methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mine exploited complex hydrothermal mineral deposits containing cassiterite, the principal ore mineral of tin, alongside zinc, copper and other metallic sulphide minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the British Geological Survey, the mineral veins at Wheal Jane formed through several distinct phases of hydrothermal activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly mineralisation involved quartz and cassiterite deposition, followed by further geological alteration and the development of veins containing \u003cstrong\u003epyrite, sphalerite and chalcopyrite\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLater mineralising events introduced additional sulphide minerals into quartz-rich veins and cavities, contributing to the complex mineral associations found throughout the deposit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing periods of closure and redevelopment, Wheal Jane resumed production in 1980 and continued operating during the final decades of Cornwall's modern tin mining industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderground mining ceased in March 1991\u003c\/strong\u003e, following increasingly difficult economic conditions affecting the British tin industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough extraction ended, the site's mineral processing mill continued treating ore transported from South Crofty Mine until 1998.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the cessation of underground pumping in 1991, groundwater gradually flooded the abandoned mine workings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn \u003cstrong\u003e13 January 1992\u003c\/strong\u003e, a blockage within the historic Nangiles Adit failed, releasing approximately 50 million litres of acidic, metal-rich mine water over a 24-hour period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting pollution affected the Carnon River, Restronguet Creek and Falmouth Bay, becoming one of the most significant mine-water pollution incidents in modern British environmental history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmergency treatment measures were introduced, and a permanent active mine-water treatment scheme was commissioned in 2000 to control contaminated discharges from the historic workings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Wheal Jane remains important both for its industrial heritage and its continuing role in mine-water remediation and environmental management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts documented mineral assemblage includes pyrite, quartz, cassiterite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and numerous other minerals, reflecting the complex geological processes responsible for Cornwall's metalliferous deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA pyrite specimen attributed to Wheal Jane therefore represents a fascinating connection to both the county's geological history and the later development of its mining industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional crystal healing practices, pyrite is associated with confidence, determination, personal strength and prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbundance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with prosperity, opportunity and a positive approach to personal goals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically linked with strength, resilience and maintaining personal boundaries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpiritual Growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with confidence, self-awareness and purposeful action.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solar Plexus Chakra and Root Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Abundance, Protection and Spiritual Growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese associations belong to crystal healing traditions and are not scientifically established properties of the mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Formation \u0026amp; Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a naturally formed raw mineral specimen, this piece retains its original irregular structure, exposed matrix and extensive metallic crystal growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaw mineral formations are traditionally associated with authenticity, grounding and appreciation of the natural world's geological processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePyrite's golden metallic appearance has long contributed to its symbolic association with prosperity, confidence and abundance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts naturally geometric crystal structures may also be interpreted as symbols of organisation, determination and strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond these traditional associations, the specimen's most remarkable quality lies in the intricate natural crystallisation that developed within Cornwall's mineral-rich geological environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Mineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pyrite (FeS₂)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale quartz-rich matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wheal Jane Mine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kea, near St Day, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 235g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 81.3mm × 64.9mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural raw mineral specimen with extensive metallic pyrite crystallisation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal Appearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Closely intergrown angular metallic crystals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass gold, metallic grey, cream and white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLustre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Metallic pyrite with contrasting pale matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural mineral surfaces with irregular edges, small cavities and exposed crystalline areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One individual specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen photographed. Natural mineral specimens may contain fractures, uneven surfaces, delicate crystal growth and variations resulting from their geological formation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a dry environment away from prolonged moisture and humidity. Pyrite may be susceptible to oxidation under unsuitable storage conditions. Avoid soaking or using chemical cleaning products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe following geological, historical and government resources document Wheal Jane Mine and its recorded mineral occurrences:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/webapps.bgs.ac.uk\/memoirs\/docs\/B01739.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eBritish Geological Survey – Geology of the Country Around Falmouth (1990)\u003c\/a\u003e. Geological memoir documenting Wheal Jane's hydrothermal mineralisation, including quartz, cassiterite, pyrite, sphalerite and chalcopyrite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/loc-846.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Wheal Jane, Kea, Cornwall\u003c\/a\u003e. Mineral locality database recording pyrite, quartz and other minerals associated with the mine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/case-studies\/wheal-jane-mine-water-treatment-scheme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMining Remediation Authority – Wheal Jane Mine Water Treatment Scheme\u003c\/a\u003e. Official government account of the mine's closure, the January 1992 pollution incident and subsequent treatment operations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wheal-jane.co.uk\/about\/history-of-wheal-jane\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eWheal Jane Ltd – History of Wheal Jane\u003c\/a\u003e. Site operator's historical account, including the continuation of mineral processing after underground extraction ceased in 1991.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/api.parliament.uk\/historic-hansard\/written-answers\/1992\/jan\/28\/wheal-jane-mine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eUK Parliament – Hansard, 28 January 1992\u003c\/a\u003e. Contemporary parliamentary record concerning the Wheal Jane mine-water discharge and emergency response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eHistorical and geological references document Wheal Jane Mine and its recorded mineral occurrences. The provenance of this individual specimen is based on its supplied collection information. Its mineral identification and associated matrix have not been independently laboratory verified.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59237659246927,"sku":null,"price":41.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_860767c1-d8f7-4ad6-8016-8d1a280512a8.png?v=1792784567","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/pyrite-wheal-jane-mine-kea-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}