Wolframite & Quartz Mineral Specimen | Cligga Mine, Cornwall

A fascinating Wolframite and Quartz mineral specimen from Cligga Mine, near Perranporth, Cornwall, displaying striking dark metallic-looking mineral formations embedded within a substantial matrix of milky-white Quartz.

This 95g specimen features a beautiful contrast between the pale, translucent to opaque Quartz and the dark grey-black Wolframite mineralisation. Across its principal display face, elongated and irregular dark crystal formations intersect with the lighter Quartz, creating a dramatic natural pattern.

The dark mineral sections display a combination of angular surfaces, compact crystalline areas and elongated structures, while scattered rusty-orange and golden-brown staining adds further colour and character. Small natural cavities and irregular edges reveal the complex arrangement of minerals throughout the specimen.

One of the most distinctive features of this piece is the difference between its two principal sides. The front reveals concentrated dark mineralisation against the pale Quartz, while the reverse exposes a larger section of white, slightly translucent crystalline material with subtle internal texture and natural mineral staining.

As the specimen is turned, the contrasting mineral formations become visible from different angles, revealing dark inclusions, fractured Quartz surfaces and small pockets of iron-rich alteration.

Measuring approximately 39.4mm × 37.6mm and weighing 95g, this is a distinctive natural mineral specimen associated with the historic tungsten-mining landscape of Cornwall.

Its recorded locality, Cligga Mine near Perranporth, adds further interest for collectors of British minerals, Cornish mining specimens and historic geological localities.

About the Minerals

Wolframite is the collective name commonly used for iron-manganese tungstate minerals belonging to the Ferberite-Hübnerite series, with the general chemical formula (Fe,Mn)WO4.

These minerals are important natural sources of tungsten, a metal valued for its exceptional melting point, hardness-related industrial applications and use in specialist alloys and engineering materials.

Wolframite commonly occurs as dark brown to black crystals, sometimes displaying elongated, bladed or tabular forms with a metallic to submetallic appearance.

Quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2), one of the most widespread minerals in the Earth's crust. In hydrothermal mineral veins, Quartz frequently occurs alongside metallic ore minerals, forming crystalline masses, vein fillings and mineral-rich associations.

The combination of Wolframite and Quartz is characteristic of certain tungsten-bearing hydrothermal vein systems, where hot mineral-rich fluids circulated through fractures in the surrounding rock and deposited minerals as conditions changed.

The pale Quartz matrix and contrasting dark Wolframite formations make this specimen an interesting example of mineralisation associated with Cornwall's historic tungsten deposits.

Cligga Mine, Perranporth, Cornwall

Cligga Mine, situated at Cligga Head near Perranporth on Cornwall's north coast, is a historically important tin and tungsten mine, particularly recognised for its role in supplying tungsten during the Second World War.

The headland contains a distinctive network of mineralised veins within granite, formed through a geological process known as greisenisation. Hot, mineral-rich fluids circulated through fractures in the granite, altering the surrounding rock and depositing minerals including Wolframite, Cassiterite and Quartz.

Although earlier workings concentrated on tin, tungsten became increasingly valuable during the twentieth century because of its importance in industrial engineering and wartime manufacturing.

Mining operations restarted at Cligga in 1938, with Rhodesian Mines Trust taking over in 1939. During the Second World War, the mine became an important source of tungsten-bearing ore.

Historical production records indicate that approximately 300 tons of wolfram concentrate and 200 tons of black tin were produced between 1940 and 1944.

Mining ceased in 1945, although the area subsequently attracted further exploration interest. Today, the surviving workings and exposed mineralised veins at Cligga Head remain important features of Cornwall's geological and industrial heritage.

Both Wolframite and Quartz are documented mineral occurrences at Cligga Mine, making this specimen's recorded mineral association particularly representative of the locality's tungsten-bearing geology.

This specimen offers a fascinating connection to Cornwall's mining history, preserving a natural association of minerals linked to one of the county's historically significant tungsten deposits.

Intention

Grounding & Protection
Within crystal traditions, Wolframite is associated with grounding, resilience, determination and personal strength, while Quartz is traditionally linked with clarity, focus and amplification of intention.

Together, these minerals are symbolically associated with maintaining stability, strengthening resolve and approaching challenges with a clear and focused perspective.

The contrast between dark Wolframite and pale Quartz can also represent the balance between grounding and clarity, making this specimen a symbolic choice for intentions surrounding confidence, protection and perseverance.

Associated Chakras

Root Chakra
The dark, earthy colouring and dense mineral character of Wolframite are symbolically associated with the Root Chakra, representing grounding, security, stability and resilience.

Crown Chakra
The pale Quartz matrix brings an additional Crown Chakra association, traditionally linked with clarity, awareness, perspective and spiritual connection.

Shape Symbolism

Raw Mineral Specimen
Raw mineral specimens are traditionally associated with authenticity, natural strength and connection to the Earth.

Unlike polished or carved crystals, this specimen retains its natural irregular surfaces, exposed mineral structures and contrasting crystalline formations.

Its raw form symbolically represents resilience, individuality and the beauty of natural geological processes.

Specimen Details

• Minerals: Wolframite and Quartz
• Locality: Cligga Mine, near Perranporth, Cornwall, England
• Shape: Raw Mineral Specimen
• Finish: Natural / Unpolished
• Weight: Approx. 95g
• Dimensions: Approx. 39.4mm × 37.6mm
• Colours: Dark grey-black, milky white, translucent white and rusty orange-brown
• Intention: Grounding & Protection
• Associated Chakras: Root and Crown
• Collection: Cornish Minerals

You will receive the exact Wolframite and Quartz specimen photographed. Natural variations in crystal formations, mineral inclusions, colour, iron staining, fractures, cavities and irregular edges are part of the individual character of this mineral specimen.

Mineral identification and mine attribution follow the supplied specimen information. Additional mineral phases visible within the specimen have not been independently identified.