Derbyshire Blue John
Derbyshire Blue John, is a semi-precious stone that was first discovered over two thousand years ago by the Romans. Blue John is a rare and highly prized variety of fluorspar (calcium fluorite), with distinctive banding of purple, blue and golden yellow. This rare natural stone originates from the Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns, located in the shadow of the ‘Shivering Mountain’ of Mam Tor in the village of Castleton, the Peak District, Derbyshire. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Blue John was a highly coveted mineral used to produce exquisite and very collectable vases, column, eggs, bowls and goblets, some of which are now housed in Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House. Blue John today is a rare occurrence as unfortunately, during the First World War the rising need for supplies and machinery meant the majority was unearthed for the war effort. In the 21st century, only a very small amount is now mined, and tends to be only suitable for small jewellery pieces.
