{"product_id":"quartz-goethite-hematite-restormel-royal-iron-mine-cornwall","title":"Quartz, Goethite \u0026 Hematite | Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA remarkable 945g Cornish mineral specimen featuring sparkling quartz crystal cavities, earthy goethite and iron-rich hematite, originating from the historic Restormel Royal Iron Mine near Lostwithiel, Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial specimen brings together beautiful natural crystallisation, intricate geological textures and the industrial heritage of one of Cornwall's best-known historic iron mines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis impressive specimen displays a complex, highly textured formation of quartz, goethite and hematite, with numerous natural cavities and mineral-lined openings extending across its surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most distinctive feature is a series of interconnected cavities lined with tiny, sparkling quartz crystals. These range from translucent smoky-beige and champagne tones to milky white, creating a beautiful contrast against the surrounding darker iron-rich material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRusty reds, ochre browns and deep earthy greys run throughout the specimen, reflecting the presence of iron-bearing minerals. Pale mineralised ridges separate the larger cavities, while smaller pockets and openings create an intricate, almost honeycomb-like appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome sections exhibit layered and radiating textures characteristic of iron-rich mineral growth. The natural irregularities, contrasting mineral surfaces and extensive crystallisation make this a particularly interesting specimen to examine from different angles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts substantial size and weight make it an excellent display piece for collectors of British minerals, Cornish mining specimens and unusual geological formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Minerals\u003c\/h3\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. Quartz commonly forms when silica-rich fluids circulate through fractures and cavities, gradually depositing crystals as geological conditions change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this specimen, quartz forms delicate sparkling crystal linings within numerous natural openings, contrasting with the surrounding iron-rich material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoethite (FeO(OH))\u003c\/strong\u003e is an iron oxyhydroxide mineral commonly associated with the alteration and oxidation of iron-bearing minerals. It may form earthy masses, fibrous structures, radiating aggregates and banded deposits. Its colours range from yellowish brown and reddish brown to almost black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHematite (Fe₂O₃)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an iron oxide mineral and an important iron ore. It occurs in a variety of forms, including massive, earthy, botryoidal and crystalline formations. Its characteristic reddish-brown streak distinguishes it from many other dark metallic minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe association of quartz, goethite and hematite is well documented at Restormel Royal Iron Mine, making this combination especially representative of the locality's mineralogical heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMine History \u0026amp; Cornish Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRestormel Royal Iron Mine\u003c\/strong\u003e is situated near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, close to the historic Restormel Castle. Unlike the many Cornish mines predominantly associated with tin and copper, Restormel became particularly important for its iron ore deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mine was historically known as \u003cstrong\u003eTrinity Mine\u003c\/strong\u003e, with mineral collecting documented in the late eighteenth century. The renowned Cornish mineral collector Philip Rashleigh obtained specimens from the locality during the 1790s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts workings included an extensive opencast excavation, historically known as a gunnis, following the iron-bearing lode. During the nineteenth century, deeper underground workings were developed beneath the original surface excavations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most remarkable chapters in the mine's history occurred in \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 1846\u003c\/strong\u003e, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the workings. The royal couple travelled underground in a mine truck drawn by miners and inspected the iron ore deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing this royal visit, the mine became known as Restormel Royal Iron Mine, a name that continues to distinguish it within Cornwall's mining history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mine was worked during the nineteenth century and eventually closed in 1883. Today, surviving excavations provide physical evidence of its industrial past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRestormel is also recognised for its mineral specimens. Historic and museum collections document goethite, hematite and quartz from the locality, including attractive fibrous and banded iron mineral formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Cornwall is internationally celebrated for tin and copper, its iron mines represent another important chapter in the county's geological and industrial story. Restormel Royal is a particularly fascinating example of this lesser-known heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional crystal healing practices, these minerals are associated with complementary symbolic qualities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuartz:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clarity, focus and amplification of intention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGoethite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grounding, emotional reflection and resilience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHematite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stability, protection and inner strength.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Root Chakra and Crown Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protection, Calm and Spiritual Growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese associations belong to crystal healing traditions and are not scientifically established properties of the minerals.\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 irregular structure, exposed mineral surfaces and intricate crystalline cavities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaw formations are traditionally associated with authenticity, connection to the natural world and appreciation of a mineral's unaltered geological character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between delicate quartz crystals and dense iron-rich material also provides a beautiful symbolic representation of clarity emerging from strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinerals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz, Goethite \u0026amp; Hematite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Restormel Royal Iron Mine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trinity Mine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 945g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 91.1mm × 125.2mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural raw mineral specimen with crystalline cavities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cream, champagne, rusty brown, ochre and grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural mineral surfaces with irregular edges, cavities and visible iron staining\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 crystals and variations resulting from their geological formation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe following resources document the geology, mineral occurrences and mining heritage of Restormel Royal Iron Mine:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/loc-1028.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Restormel Royal Iron Mine (Trinity Mine)\u003c\/a\u003e. Mineral locality database documenting quartz, goethite, hematite and other recorded minerals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/virtualmicroscope.org\/content\/goethite-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eVirtual Microscope – Cornish Mineral Heritage: Goethite\u003c\/a\u003e. Royal Cornwall Museum collection specimen and historical information about Restormel Royal Iron Mine and the royal visit of 1846.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/historicengland.org.uk\/listing\/heritage-gateway\/results\/record\/1642254c-0359-4e5e-b197-59c0cc5509c8\/MCO46128\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eHistoric England – Restormel Royal Opencast Mine\u003c\/a\u003e. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Historic Environment Record documenting the historic iron workings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/minearchive.co.uk\/mines\/restormel-royal-iron-mine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMineArchive – Restormel Royal Iron Mine\u003c\/a\u003e. Historical overview, former mine names, tramway connection and operational history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eHistorical and geological references relate to the recorded mine locality. The provenance of this individual specimen is based on its supplied collection information. The mineral identification has not been independently laboratory verified.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59236887462223,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_f6fc20ef-88c5-47b0-97ab-a6b9630c3823.png?v=1792782233","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/quartz-goethite-hematite-restormel-royal-iron-mine-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}