The Blue John Stone Experience at Treak Cliff Cavern

Blue John Stone is a rare, semiprecious mineral found at only one location in the world – in the caves of Treak Cliff Hill, Castleton, Derbyshire.

This truly unique experience enables you to work with Treak Cliff Cavern family and staff to get really “hands-on” with the stone.

Learn about the geological formation of caves within the Peak District National Park and meet the family who own and care for the mine.

Go prospecting in areas not normally accessed by the public for your own piece of Blue John stone in the mines here at Treak Cliff Cavern. Our expert craftspeople will guide you through polishing your selection and you’ll also be able to choose additional pieces from the workshop to make into a window hanger as well as a piece of silver-mounted jewellery or a free form pendant.

Places are strictly limited as this experience only runs January to March – for booking information please see the main Booking Page.

What will you do at the Blue John Stone Experience?

You’ll meet us at the visitor centre at 10.00am and be greeted by your host for the day and shown around the museum and visitor centre and choose your own sterling silver jewellery blank to set later before heading off for your self-guided audio tour.
Duration: 1 hour

After refreshments you’ll get suited up and taken into the cavern and be able to go into the mining area to prospect for your own piece of Blue John Stone and learn about the mining history of the cavern. Before you clean and inspect your finds.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

After lunch, you’ll prepare the stone you found earlier and be shown by our expert craftspeople how to grind and polish your piece of Blue John, you then set your own sterling silver jewellery blank with another stone selected from our workshop. Each piece of Blue John Stone has distinctive pattern and colour combinations, you’ll creating very own piece of unique jewellery. 
Duration: 4 hours

Total duration: approx 5-6 Hours

What’s included?

• Tour of Treak Cliff Cavern.
• Workshop equipment and Overalls, Helmets, gloves etc.
• Craftspeople on hand to guide you through all relevant processes.
• Piece of Blue John stone chosen by yourself in our mines.
• Additional pieces of pre-prepared Blue John stone with which you can create your own single piece of jewellery.
• Silver mount for the jewellery (additional charge for the second of paired items e.g. earrings.)
• Tea, coffee & cold drinks.

 What do I need to bring?

• The underground temperature is a constant 10°C (50°F) so we advise that you wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement and is able to be worn under overalls.
• A pair of wellies or sturdy boots that you don’t mind getting muddy.
• A change of shoes and socks.
• A packed lunch.