description Treak Cliff Cavern Overview
Treak Cliff Cavern is a limestone show cave located in Castleton, Derbyshire, England, within the Peak District. The cave is internationally recognized for its natural deposits of Blue John, a rare, banded blue and yellow fluorite mineral that has been mined there since the 18th century. In addition to working the mineral for jewelry, the site is open to the public and features well-preserved fossilized marine life embedded in its limestone walls.
help Treak Cliff Cavern FAQ
What is Treak Cliff Cavern famous for?
The cavern in Castleton, Derbyshire, in England's Peak District, is famous for its deposits of Blue John, a rare banded blue and yellow fluorite. Treak Cliff is one of only two places in the world where Blue John occurs, both in the hills above Castleton.
How long has Blue John stone been mined at Treak Cliff?
Blue John has been mined there since the 18th century. Ornamental vessels made from the stone were prized showpieces, and small-scale extraction for jewelry continues at the cavern today.
Can you visit Treak Cliff Cavern and what will you see?
Yes, it is a working show cave and mine open to the public with guided tours. Besides veins of Blue John fluorite, visitors see stalactites and stalagmites in the decorated chambers formed in the limestone.
What exactly is Blue John stone?
Blue John is a banded variety of fluorite, showing purple-blue and yellow striping caused by impurities in the crystals. More than a dozen distinct banding patterns have been given names by miners, and the mineral is found only in the Castleton area of the Peak District.
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