Thanks for the fine selection of responses to the above. As to why I am interested, the key phrase in my original enquiry was 'substances which were ultimately found to be useful'.
The project referred to is an investigation into the archaeology of the extractive industries being carried out by NAMHO on behalf of English Heritage, a summary of which is below, with full details on the NAMHO website. Having expressed an interest barite I am looking materials which have been gangue and do not fit into other categories. This will be principally if not totally barite and fluorspar I imagine.
Michael Shaw
1 Summary description
1.1 No comprehensive overview has yet been carried out for the archaeology of the extractive
industries; mining, quarrying and the associated infrastructure. Over a period of two years
this project will assess and analyse current knowledge to determine the extent of the
research already undertaken, its depth and its relevance to our understanding of the
archaeology and history for a wide range of mining and quarrying activities. The results
will be published as a Resources Assessment and Research Agenda for England with a
view to formulating strategies for future archaeological research. The project will also
assist in informing future conservation and outreach strategies, and help to raise general
awareness of the significance of the extractive industries as part of our heritage.
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