{"product_id":"zinnwaldite-mica-trelavour-downs-st-dennis-cornwall","title":"Zinnwaldite Mica | Trelavour Downs, St Dennis, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn impressive 475g Zinnwaldite mica specimen from Trelavour Downs, near St Dennis in Cornwall's historic St Austell district. Featuring substantial overlapping mica formations, deep bronze-brown colouring and striking layered structures, this is a distinctive collector's piece showcasing the mineralogical diversity of Cornwall's granite landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts dramatic, almost architectural appearance makes this specimen particularly appealing to collectors of British minerals, rare mica varieties and specimens associated with Cornwall's geological heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial specimen displays an extraordinary arrangement of overlapping, plate-like mica formations, creating a naturally sculptural structure with pronounced ridges, folds and stepped surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mineral exhibits a rich palette of bronze, smoky brown, dark chocolate and muted golden tones, with subtle metallic-looking reflections across the exposed cleavage surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts most distinctive feature is the abundance of thick, intergrown mica plates. These display the characteristic sheet-like structure of mica minerals, with visible parallel layering and broad, reflective surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral sections project outward at different angles, giving the specimen an unusually dramatic three-dimensional appearance. Smaller fractures and exposed edges reveal the intricate internal layering of the mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAreas of pale cream and sandy-coloured material are visible on the reverse, contrasting with the darker mica-rich surfaces. These may represent associated host-rock minerals or weathered material, although their exact composition has not been independently identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen retains its natural irregular edges, surface textures and mineral associations, making it a particularly interesting example of Cornish mica mineralisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Mineral | Zinnwaldite Mica\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eZinnwaldite is the traditional mineralogical name used for a lithium- and iron-bearing mica associated with evolved granite and tin-bearing geological environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModern mineral classification generally treats Zinnwaldite as a compositional variety within the siderophyllite-polylithionite mica series rather than as a separate mineral species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike other mica minerals, Zinnwaldite belongs to the phyllosilicate group, characterised by a layered crystal structure and excellent basal cleavage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis structure allows mica to separate along parallel planes into thin sheets, producing the distinctive reflective, plate-like surfaces visible throughout this specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eZinnwaldite is commonly associated with highly evolved granitic rocks, greisens and hydrothermal mineral systems, particularly those enriched in lithium, fluorine and tin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts colouring typically ranges from brown and bronze to darker grey-brown shades, depending on its chemical composition and the presence of iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of pronounced mica layering and substantial intergrown plates makes this specimen especially attractive from a mineralogical perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTrelavour Downs | Cornish Geological \u0026amp; Mining Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is recorded as originating from Trelavour Downs, near St Dennis, within Cornwall's historic St Austell granite district.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTrelavour Downs is a particularly fascinating mineral locality, recognised for its lithium-bearing mica deposits and distinctive pegmatite geology. Unlike many Cornish mineral localities primarily associated with tin and copper extraction, Trelavour Downs has a history connected with the extraction of lithium-bearing mica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, mica from the Trelavour Downs Pegmatite was worked for use in firework manufacturing, providing an unusual connection between Cornwall's mineral resources and the pyrotechnics industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe locality is also notable for the exceptional size of some of its mica formations. Geological records describe mica crystals reaching approximately 15cm, demonstrating the remarkable mineral growth possible within this specialised geological environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe deposits occur within the wider St Austell granite district, formed approximately 280–300 million years ago during the late stages of the Variscan geological period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs granitic magmas evolved, certain areas became enriched in elements including lithium and fluorine. These geological conditions contributed to the formation of specialised mineral assemblages, including lithium-bearing micas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe wider St Austell region subsequently became internationally renowned for its china clay industry, which developed commercially from the eighteenth century onwards and transformed the surrounding landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Trelavour area has renewed geological and industrial significance through modern interest in Cornwall's lithium resources, linking its historic mineral extraction with emerging battery-material industries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Zinnwaldite-labelled specimen offers a tangible connection to that remarkable geological story, from ancient granite formation and historic mica extraction to Cornwall's continuing importance as a source of critical minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProvenance note: This specimen is supplied with Trelavour Downs, St Dennis, Cornwall as its recorded locality. The precise collecting point, extraction date and association with any individual historic working have not been independently established. Zinnwaldite is the supplied mineral identification and has not been laboratory verified.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCrystal Properties \u0026amp; Traditional Associations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntention: Spiritual Growth, Calm \u0026amp; Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin contemporary crystal practices, Zinnwaldite and other mica minerals are sometimes associated with emotional balance, reflection and personal transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir layered structure is symbolically connected with releasing old patterns, recognising personal growth and embracing change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrown and earthy-toned minerals are also traditionally associated with grounding, stability and maintaining a sense of calm during periods of uncertainty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese associations are spiritual interpretations rather than scientifically established effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAssociated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoot Chakra \u0026amp; Crown Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Root Chakra is traditionally associated with grounding, security and stability, while the Crown Chakra represents spiritual awareness and personal understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin symbolic crystal practices, Zinnwaldite may be used to represent a balance between practical stability and spiritual development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShape Symbolism | Natural Mica Formation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe layered formation of this specimen offers a beautiful symbolic representation of growth, transformation and the different experiences that shape us over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts overlapping mineral plates can be interpreted as a reminder that personal development often happens gradually, layer by layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen's dramatic natural structure also celebrates the extraordinary forms created by geological processes deep within the Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zinnwaldite mica (traditional identification)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mica, phyllosilicates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trelavour Downs, St Dennis, St Austell district, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 475g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 92.8mm × 113.7mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bronze-brown, smoky brown, dark grey and muted gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural overlapping and intergrown mica plates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raw, natural and unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural cleavage surfaces, irregular edges and associated matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One individual specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay Stand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou will receive the exact mineral specimen photographed. The display stand shown in the photographs is not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMineral Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMica minerals have excellent cleavage and can separate into thin layers. Handle carefully and avoid pressure on exposed plates and delicate edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the specimen dry and clean gently using a soft brush. Avoid soaking, abrasive cleaning methods and harsh chemicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59234474099023,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_7c36d5b8-3b37-4948-b4ec-593915f08697.png?v=1792774286","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/zinnwaldite-mica-trelavour-downs-st-dennis-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}