Hematite

Item Description

Here is a complex, pseudocubic crystal of Hematite perched adroidtly atop a granular Hematite matrix adorned with other, smaller Hematite crystals. This is actually a really cool piece from Ouro Preto as most Hematites from here come out as singles or clusters, rarely on matrix. The large, lustrous crystal on top is actually a doublet with the big, 2.5 cm crystal in front and a smaller, 2 cm crystal in parallel growth behind it. The amazing aspect about the matrix portion is that the smaller Hematite crystals here occur as small, isolated, sparkling clusters from 5 mm to 2 cm set against a red-brown, granular Hematite matrix. There must be over a dozen of these glistening clusters composed of blocky, little Hematite crystals set in and on the matrix for great effect! All of the Hematites on this piece have incredible mirror luster and are sharply formed. Very minor edge wear is present on a few crystals, as is typical for this locality, but for the most part the crystals are in very good condition. Likely old material, as we have seen similar from finds of the 1960s-1970s.