Editing Nethermost Pike (section)

==Geology==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Helvellyn range from fairfield.jpg|thumb|right|Southern end of [[Helvellyn range]] seen from [[Fairfield (Lake District)|Fairfield]]: (left to right :[[Dollywaggon Pike]], Nethermost Pike, [[Helvellyn]])]] -->
Geologically the summit of the fell forms part of the Deepdale Formation, (principally volcaniclastic sandstone) underlain by the dacitic [[lapilli tuff]] of the Helvellyn Formation.<ref>{{cite book |title= Geology of the Keswick District: A Brief Explanation of the Geological Map Sheet 29 Keswick|last= Woodhall|first= D G|year= 2000|publisher= British Geological Survey|isbn= 978-0-85272-375-3}}</ref> The geology of much of the Lake District is the [[Borrowdale Volcanic Group]], of which Nethermost Pike is part, and is late [[Ordovician]] in age.<ref>{{cite web|title=Geology factsheet |url=http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/lake_district_docs95/factsheet_geology.pdf |format=PDF |work=Lake District National Park Authority |access-date=3 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061124105904/http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/lake_district_docs95/factsheet_geology.pdf |archive-date=24 November 2006 }}</ref> The eastern cliffs of the range, including those of Nethermost Pike, are rich in base [[minerals]]. When these rocks [[erosion|weather]] they form areas of fertile soil, which together with the area's inaccessibility and climate provide suitable conditions for plants of biological importance.<ref name="SSSI">{{cite web | title=Helvellyn and Fairfield citation sheet| url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002237.pdf |format=PDF| work=Natural England | access-date=3 January 2009}}</ref>

Mining was carried out in Ruthwaite Cove, and the remains of several levels and some shallow open workings are visible near Ruthwaite Lodge. These excavations were made in a search for lead-bearing [[galena]], and are believed to have been worked in the 16th century. Further leases were taken out in 1784 and 1862; the last known operation was in 1880.<ref name="adams">{{cite book |title= Mines of the Lake District Fells|last= Adams|first= John|year= 1995|edition= 2nd|publisher= Dalesman|isbn= 0-85206-931-6}}</ref>

North-east of the summit the scene is repeated in Nethermost Cove, where the Eagle Crag Mine was mined for its lead and [[zinc]]. The [[vein (geology)|vein]] which was exploited forms a visible gully on Eagle Crag, and was worked both above and below ground over an altitude of {{convert|300|m}}. The vein is surrounded by rocks from the [[Borrowdale Volcanic Group]], which dates from the [[Ordovician]]. Large dumps of veinstone are found in the area as a result of the mining. They contain, among other minerals, crystallised [[tetrahedrite]], which is not believed to be able to be seen or collected anywhere else in Britain.<ref name="SSSI"/> Eagle Crag Mine has a history of working similar to that of Ruthwaite Lodge.<ref name="adams"/>