Cassiterite Pseudomorphs after Orthoclase from Wheal Coates St. Agnes, Cornwall, England

摘要

Wheal Coates (or Huel Coates, meaning the "Coates mine" in the Cornish language) is an ancient mine which probably dates from the 18th century, but which probably operated only intermittently during its recorded life. After its closure, the mine would have been doomed to the historical shadows but for two things: the unique discovery of cassiterite pseudomorphs, and its wonderful setting. The former is of interest to us, but to the majority of people who know of it, Wheal Coates is an almost peerless romantic symbol of a once great industry, rivalling the Botallack mine in its dramatic setting. Nowadays, the partially restored engine house and other buildings of Wheal Coates, sitting on ledges some 90 meters above the sea and commanding spectacular views of the north Cornish coast, have become one of the most photographed and illustrated of Cornish mines, particularly in the setting sun.