Earth Science Conservation Review
| Tullydonnell, near Silverbridge | Armagh |
| Site Type: | Mine (disused) |
| Site Status: | local interest |
| Grid Reference: | H975157 |
| Google maps: | 54.0817,-6.51023 |
| Rocks | |
|---|---|
| Rock Type: | Greywacke |
| Interest | |
| Minerals: | Chalcopyrite, Dolomite, Pyrite |
| Other interest: | hydrothermal vein |
Summary of site:
This is the site of an old copper mine, now capped and with little to suggest its former existence. The ore occurred in a zone of faulted and shattered bedrock, a Silurian greywacke. The principal ore mineral was chalcopyrite (copper iron sulphide) with associated pyrite (iron sulphide), both cemented by dolomite (magnesium calcium carbonate). The minerals were deposited from high temperature, metal bearing brines (hydrothermal fluids) that circulated through ground fractures, probably in Carboniferous times.
A single specimen of chalcopyrite in dolomite from this locality was presented to the Ulster Museum.
The owner of a house on the site fell 30 m into a covered, flooded shaft, fortunately without fatal consequences but such incidents emphasise the importance of locating and securely capping these old workings.
There is nothing left at this site to preserve.
A single specimen of chalcopyrite in dolomite from this locality was presented to the Ulster Museum.
The owner of a house on the site fell 30 m into a covered, flooded shaft, fortunately without fatal consequences but such incidents emphasise the importance of locating and securely capping these old workings.
There is nothing left at this site to preserve.
| Enlander, I., Dempster, M. & Doughty, P., 2024. Tullydonnell, near Silverbridge, County Armagh, site summary. [In] Earth Science Conservation Review. https://www.habitas.org.uk/escr/summary.php?item=567. Accessed on 2024-12-26 |
| Previous Site | Next Site |