Snailbeach Galena Specimen (England, UK)

Snailbeach Galena Ore Specimen (oxidised) - Historic Lead Mining Relic, Snailbeach, Shropshire, England, UK

This dramatic specimen is a remnant of the rich industrial past of the Snailbeach Lead Mine in Shropshire, England, once one of the most productive lead mines in the UK. This is a classic example of Galena ore (Lead Sulfide, $\text{PbS}$) that has undergone significant surface weathering (it is heavily oxidised).

The specimens are defined by their vibrant, textured crust of rusty orange, brown, and ochre-coloured iron oxides (likely Goethite and Limonite). This oxidised crust, known as a gossan, is a result of the weathering of the original sulfide minerals (like pyrite and the Galena itself) near the surface.

Beneath this striking oxidised layer, visible patches of the primary mineral, Galena, can be seen. Galena is identifiable by its distinctive metallic grey lustre and cubic cleavage. The specimens also feature a white crystalline matrix—often Quartz or sometimes Baryte—which was deposited in the hydrothermal veins alongside the ore.

The Snailbeach Lead Mine operated for centuries, particularly flourishing during the 19th century, and was the primary economic driver of the area. This specimen is not just a geological sample; it is a tangible relic of Britain's industrial heritage and a clear illustration of the mineralization that fuelled the industry. It is a spectacular and historically significant piece, perfect for industrial history collectors, geology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the mining legacy of the Shropshire Hills.

Origin: Historic Lead Mine, Snailbeach, Shropshire, England, UK
Mineral type: Galena (PbS) and iron oxides
Size: ~8(L) x 5(H) x 9(W) cm (see scale cube), 310 g