Derbyshire Police recover 60kg of the semi-precious mineral following arrests linked to suspicious activity in Castleton.

Two men have been taken into custody under suspicion of stealing Blue John, a rare mineral native to the Peak District. Approximately 60kg of the semi-precious stone, known for its striking purple-blue and yellow hues, was recovered by Derbyshire Police’s Rural Crime Team during a search of a property in the Greater Manchester area on Tuesday evening.

The investigation followed a series of suspicious events in Castleton, Derbyshire, where Blue John is found in limited locations. This mineral, a form of fluorite, has been historically prized for use in jewellery and ornamental pieces.

The area where Blue John is naturally occurring is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it illegal to quarry the mineral. Police have confirmed that the two suspects have been released while further inquiries continue.