Niccolite-Magnetite Mineralization from Upper Teesdale, North Pennines

B. Young, M. T. Styles and N. G. Berridge
British Geological Survey, Windsor Court, Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HE
British Geological Survey, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DE
British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG

Abstract: Niccolite and other nickel-bearing minerals have been found in magnetite-rich ore at Lady's Rake Mine [NY 8063 3414] in the North Pennines 5.5 km NW of Langdon Beck, Teesdale, Co. Durham. Associated ore minerals include galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite. Similar magnetite-rich ores, in places bearing ugrandite garnets, have been located at two nearby localities, though without nickel minerals. Petrographic study indicates that this unusual assemblage developed in a skarn environment, probably related to the intrusion of the Whin Sill. Field evidence suggests an association with the Teesdale Fault system. Electron microprobe analyses show that Lady's Rake niccolite is near to end-member composition: analyses of other North Pennine niccolites show up to 25 at. % substitution of S and Sb for As.

Keywords: niccolite • magnetite • ullmannite • gersdorffite • Teesdale • Pennines • England

Mineralogical Magazine; September 1985 v. 49; no. 353; p. 555-559; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1985.049.353.09
© 1985, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)