Two Men Arrested Following Theft of Rare Blue John Mineral

Two individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of stealing an estimated 60kg (132lb) of a scarce semi-precious mineral from the Peak District. Police reported that a substantial quantity of Blue John was recovered from a property in Greater Manchester on Tuesday night, subsequent to a theft report made in Castleton, Derbyshire, on 13 October. The county’s rural crime team stated that the mineral is unique to the area and is not found anywhere else globally. The two men were separately taken into custody in Bury and Oldham on suspicion of theft, and have since been released pending further investigation, according to the team. Blue John is exclusively found beneath Treak Cliff Hill, near Castleton, and derives its name from its distinct coloration. It is currently only extracted from two caverns: Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern. The stone was popular during the Regency period in the early 1800s and is displayed at Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House. Officers commented: “The site is Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) protected and quarrying of Blue John is strictly controlled.” They added: “Theft of this rare fluorite not only harms the natural environment of the site and local economy, but it also harms the site’s heritage.” Furthermore, they noted: “It is sometimes said that Blue John was first discovered by the Romans.” Police also indicated that the recovered items would be assessed by an expert to determine their value.