Re the above.
The Settlingstones Mine was not a pit for coal, but a dedicated mine for
barytes and witherite. The extraction of barite ('new' spelling), had been
undertaken at quite a few collieries in the NE - some producing quite
significant quantities. Books are available on mines and mining in this area,
and I would suggest approaching the Threlkeld Quarry and Mine Museum who keep
a good range of Northern books - and others of course.
For the uses of the above two minerals, Rutleys Elements of Mineralogy is a
good reference, and then of course the old faithful, the Encyclopaedia
Britannica - always an excellent ref. source as a check - or when all else
fails!
Hope of use, Bernard
