Is Blue John stone valuable?
In our ceaseless quest for the finest materials we have been working with the rarest mineral in Britain – Blue John. This semi-precious stone is only found in in the depths of two caves near in Castleton, Derbyshire, first hollowed out by the Romans two thousand years ago.
What is Blue John stone used for?
It is mainly ‘jewellery stone’ and Blue John mined to make small ornaments that modern day miners are excavating. (most ‘substantial veins’ were worked out so that larger pieces are no longer made).
What colour is Blue John stone?
purple
Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar) is a semi-precious mineral, a rare form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish colour.
Where can I find Blue John?
Blue John stone is found in only one place on earth, beneath Treak Cliff Hill near the pretty Peak District village of Castleton. Each vein has its own characteristic colour and banding of blue, purple, yellow and white.
Is Blue John an amethyst?
It is usually purple, but can be green, blue or yellow, or even clear. It is transparent or translucent. It can look a little like amethyst, but the surface is softer with lines from the crystals on it. The name “Blue John” comes from the French “bleu jeune” or blue yellow.
What is the best Blue John?
Best Blue John Cavern – Treak Cliff Cavern
- Europe.
- Peak District National Park.
- Hope Valley.
- Castleton.
- Castleton – Things to Do.
- Treak Cliff Cavern.
Is Blue John a gemstone?
Blue John is now a very rare and mysterious gemstone mined around the Peak District village of Castleton, Derbyshire. It is believed that it was the Romans that first discovered the gem some 2000 years ago and instantly fell in love with it’s unique qualities.
How hard is Blue John?
Blue John is a soft stone at only 4 on the Mohs scale.
How do you look after blue Johns?
Caring for Blue John Jewellery Whether your Blue John is set in silver or gold jewelry, care must always be taken as it is a delicate stone (on the Mohs scale). Avoid contact with silver cleaning solutions, perfumes, and hairspray, etc and it should not be worn when swimming or washing.
Which is the best cavern to visit in Castleton?
Treak Cliff Cavern
Best cavern in Castleton Treak Cliff Cavern is one of four caverns in Castleton’s vicinity, and definitely the best one (although we haven’t visited Blue John Cavern following advice from Speedwell Cavern). Journey takes about one hour and you end-up at the different place, few hundred meters above entry to the cavern.
How many caves are there in Castleton?
Show Caverns There are 4 caves at Castleton accessible by guided tour. Treak Cliff cavern and Blue John cavern contain beautiful caves decorated with stalactites formations, and blue john stone.
What caves are in Castleton?
The Castleton caves are some of the best show caverns in the country, and is home to Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern. Treak Cliff Cavern has some amazing stalactites and stalagmites, which really have to be seen to be believed.