"Anglezarke lies at the western edge of the Rossendale Anticline and consists mainly of Carboniferous rocks of the Millstone Grit group. These sandstones were deposited towards the end of the Namurian period when the filling of the Craven Basin, by southerly flowing rivers, was almost complete. Later, rocks of the Westphalian (Coal Measures) were deposited. The rocks are virtually horizontal, with a dip generally, of no more that 10 degrees and consist of fairly massive, coarse to medium grained, cross stratified sandstones. The sandstones are separated by shales, mudstones and siltstones which are little exposed, except at stream sections and usually, just above the sandstone, can be found fossiliferous marine bands containing goniatites and bivalves."
This area was where WITHERITE was discovered. This was used secretly by Josiah Wedgwood at his works in Eturia for the production of Jasper ware. Even in recent years, Witherite, because it contains arsenic, was used locally as a rat poison.
The natural fault here, coupled with the mining activities, make this a very interesting spot for those keen to learn about minerals! To claim this earth cache, you'll need to visit Lead Mines Clough in the vicinity of the posted co-ordinates, and undertake the following :
Photograph you or your GPS at the site.
On the upstream side of the first waterfall is where the Fletcher Bank Grit crops out and the stream falls over the slickensided fault surface.
Photograph the Fletcher Bank Grit.
A Sough is an underground channel for draining water out of a mine. Its ability to drain a mine depends on the bottom of the mine being higher than a neighbouring valley. If the mine sump is lower, water must be pumped up to the sough.
Photograph the entrance to the sough, which is very close to the posted co-ordinates and is clearly signposted.
At stream level, in the shales, can be found a fossiliferous marine band containing goniatites and bivalves.
Take a photograph of this marine band.
Please also email the answer to the following question :
Describe the color and texture of both the grit and the marine band you photographed.
Can anyone find some of the hallowed Witherite here? You don't need to find any to log the find, but please do keep an eye out. The four minerals you are most likely to find in the spoil heaps are :
GALENA
PYRITE
BARITE
WITHERITE