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Mining

The Peak District limestone is crossed with numerous mineral veins running mainly east-west and up to 5 miles long, 20 feet wide and 500 feet deep.

Each vein shows a similar pattern of mineral bands.  Galena (lead ore) and/or sphalerite (zinc ore) are in the centre of the vein, with barite and/or fluorite on either side, with calcite next to the limestone.  To find out more follow these links:

Fluorite/Fluorspar Extraction
Lead Mining

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Fluorite/Fluorspar Extraction

The Peak District provides virtually all of the UK supply of fluorite and many old mineral sites are being reworked for the fluorite left by the lead miners of the past.

A side-effect of modern production is that the earthmoving machines tend to remove large amounts of limestone surrounding the mineral veins.  Mining no longer results in narrow gashes in the landscape but huge holes!  The limestone itself a valuable rock and once removed is being sold, rather than being kept for backfilling and restoration work.

In the Castleton area, especially around Treak Cliff, the fluorite contains impurities which give rise to a rare and beautiful, purple veined mineral called Blue John.  The name is possibly a corruption of blue-jaune i.e. blue-yellow referring to the colours found in the polished mineral.

In the past Blue John was polished and used for a wide variety of decorative pieces including table tops and vases.  Today, Blue John is mainly used for jewellery as few significant veins are found.

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Lead Mining

From the Roman period onwards, the mineral veins or 'rakes' of the Peak District have been mined for their lead, zinc, silver and copper content.  Today it is still possible to see the remains of these lead rakes, which form deep gashes in the landscape, surrounded by hummocky land where the mined lead was processed.

The remains of Tideslow lead rake

The old workings still contain gangue minerals such as calcite, fluorite and barite, which were of little use to the old miners but are important today and so quarried for a wide range of industrial uses.

For more information about the incredible habitats that have developed on these toxic spoil heaps go to the limestone dales and lead rakes habitat section.  Alternatively, to find out more about mining in the past, visit industry through time.

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