{"product_id":"fru-gal-2","title":"Snailbeach Galena Specimen (England, UK)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnailbeach Galena Ore Specimen (oxidised)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Historic Lead Mining Relic, Snailbeach, Shropshire, England, UK\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThis dramatic specimen is a remnant of the rich industrial past of the \u003cb\u003eSnailbeach Lead Mine\u003c\/b\u003e in \u003cb\u003eShropshire, England\u003c\/b\u003e, once one of the most productive lead mines in the UK. This is a classic example of \u003cb\u003eGalena ore\u003c\/b\u003e (Lead Sulfide, \u003cspan data-math=\"\\text{PbS}\" class=\"math-inline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"katex\"\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"katex-html\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"base\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"strut\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mord text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mord\"\u003ePbS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e) that has undergone significant surface weathering (it is heavily oxidised).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe specimens are defined by their vibrant, textured crust of \u003cb\u003erusty orange, brown, and ochre-coloured iron oxides\u003c\/b\u003e (likely \u003cb\u003eGoethite\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eLimonite\u003c\/b\u003e). This oxidised crust, known as a \u003cb\u003egossan\u003c\/b\u003e, is a result of the weathering of the original sulfide minerals (like pyrite and the Galena itself) near the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eBeneath this striking oxidised layer, visible patches of the primary mineral, \u003cb\u003eGalena\u003c\/b\u003e, can be seen. Galena is identifiable by its distinctive \u003cb\u003emetallic grey lustre\u003c\/b\u003e and cubic cleavage. The specimens also feature a \u003cb\u003ewhite crystalline matrix\u003c\/b\u003e—often \u003cb\u003eQuartz\u003c\/b\u003e or sometimes \u003cb\u003eBaryte\u003c\/b\u003e—which was deposited in the hydrothermal veins alongside the ore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eSnailbeach Lead Mine\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003etangible relic of Britain's industrial heritage\u003c\/b\u003e and a clear illustration of the mineralization that fuelled the industry. It is a spectacular and historically significant piece, perfect for \u003cb\u003eindustrial history collectors\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003egeology enthusiasts\u003c\/b\u003e, and anyone interested in the mining legacy of the Shropshire Hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"147\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Historic Lead Mine, Snailbeach, Shropshire, England, UK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"199\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"213\"\u003eMineral type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Galena (PbS) and iron oxides\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"236\" data-end=\"239\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"358\" data-end=\"367\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~6(L) x 6(H) x 4(W) cm (see scale cube), 238 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frugeo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52559791554897,"sku":"FRU-GAL-2","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/9749\/6145\/files\/FRU-GAL-2a.jpg?v=1765134775","url":"https:\/\/frugeo.science\/products\/fru-gal-2","provider":"Frugeo Geology Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}