Clotted cream mining set to boost the Cornish economy

Approaching the ruins of Wheal Clott

Great news this morning of another potential Cornish mining revival. It is over 150 years since klestrolite, a mineral unique to Cornwall, was mined at Wheal Clott near Redruth.

Klestrolite is the only edible mineral to have been mined in Cornwall. It is a milky-white coloured mineral, which when ground very fine and mixed with water produces a delicate creamy paste, known as 'clotted' cream' named after Wheal Clott, the only known source of the mineral. When the mine was worked out clotted cream continued to be produced in Cornwall, but made from dairy products.

Now a rich vein of klestlorite has been found associated with quartz in hydrothermal veins in the local granite. The exact location has not been revealed but it is known to be a rich source which should boost employment in the county as well as giving locals and tourists alike the real taste of a traditional Cornish cream tea.

 

It is known that klestrolite is an anti-bacterial agent, which may be why the Cornish traditionally add cream on top of jam in their scones, and, recognising this effective barrier to foreign bodies, this has led to one of President Trump's more important executive orders.