Sharkham Iron Mine is a remarkable but little known geological site. The deposit is characterised by hematite replacement of Devonian limestones, associated with
limestone breccias and localised developments of botryoidal goethite, limonite and hematite. Some surfaces show patches and radiating crystals of white and pink
barite. The source of the iron was almost certainly from Permian ‘red beds’ in the area, probably via circulating hot fluids migrating along fractures. The process of replacement is likely to be similar to that known in South Wales, where iron minerals replace zones in Lower Carboniferous limestones close to an unconformity with
Triassic red-beds. Although the former opencast workings are largely filled in, good exposures remain in the coastal slope. [Mineralisation site network]
[url]http://www.devon.gov.uk/geo-berry-head-to-sharkham-point.pdf[/url]