Burgam Mine, Stiperstones, Shropshire

Burgam is a little mine, worked for lead and probably started in the early 1800's. It was last worked in about 1962. Some barite was also produced.

Pyromorphite specimens started to appear in the early 1970's, and it wasn't very long before I was introduced to the mine by Ike Wilson, and Dick Barstow. We regularly collected in a small stope, where the footwall contained a series of vuggy veins consisting of brecciated barite and pyromorphite. Some of the cavities were filled with sugary pyromorphite which just ran in great rivers from the holes when first opened up - it was spectacular to watch! One of the other collectors who accompanied me here was a French pal, sadly no longer with us, and many of the pieces I still have available for exchange are from his collection. Pyromorphite came in many colours from bright yellow, apple green, deep green, olive, and almost orange.

The mine - dump in background, from the road. 1978. Now obscured by trees.   Footwall of the stope, 1978 - candles for light!     A very young collector - lying in cavity, pyromorphite covering the wall behind me ..   Removing said pyromorphite........ Pyromorphite, Burgam mine. Collected with Dick Barstow 1978. 2x2" - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite, Burgam mine. Collected with Dick Barstow 1978. 2x2" Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite, Burgam mine. Collected with Dick Barstow 1978. 2x2" Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite, Burgam mine. Collected with Dick Barstow 1978. 2x1" Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 2x1 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 1x1 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 1x1 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 1x1 " Classic hollow xls from here - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 2x1" - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 2x1 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 2x2 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 2x2 " - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 3x3" - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 3x2" - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 3x4" - Pete Ward collection   Pyromorphite on barite - Burgam mine - collected 1979 - 4x3" - Pete Ward collection     Pyromorphite, Burgam mine - collected 1979 with Ike Wilson - 3x2" - Ward collection