2-913-688 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Crystallised Cavern, in the Blue John Mine, 1854. Geological tourist attraction in Derbyshire. 'Fluor spar was called by the miners "Blue John"...The Blue John Mine is chiefly celebrated for the spar of that name with which it abounds...The splendid part of the Cavern of which we give an Illustration is lit up by means of a chandelier, drawn to the top by a pulley, which cannot have been fastened without great difficulty and risk..."The lofty walls" says Mr. Adam, in his popular guide, the "Gem of the Peak", "are clustered with stalactites of the purest white. The top of it looks like a rich cornice, from which are suspended numerous stalactites, assuming the appearance of drapery of exquisite texture, falling in the most graceful folds, and streaming down like fine cords to the bottom". Several other striking effects are produced, by means of blue lights, which create a sort of artificial moonlight...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.