RARE MENDIPITE CRYSTALS - Mendip Hills, Somerset

Torr Works Quarry (Merehead Quarry), Cranmore, Mendip Hills, Somerset

Mendipite is a rare lead oxychloride mineral. It is named after the Mendip Hills where it was first described and forms as acicular, usually white, bladed crystals.

The specimens from Torr Works Quarry, also known as Merehead Quarry, occurred in black manganese nodules in the Carboniferous Limestone, which have also yielded a suite of rare lead minerals.

The crystals of mendipite were contained within a slightly 'sooty' manganese oxide deposit, which is typical of this occurrence.