Hematite (large ''rose'' specimen)

Item Description

A big impressive Hematite specimen from Ouro Preto, Brazil featuring dozens of foliated metallic silvery bladed crystals, some of which feature beautiful "iron rose"-style formations, showing a muted dark reddish hue on the exterior edges, sitting on grey iron-bearing matrix. The pinacoid faces of the Hematites have a brilliantly high luster, a stark contrast against the matte exterior. The largest crystal measures 5.0 cm across. Certainly one of the biggest and showiest Hematites we've ever seen from the locality, but there is some obvious damage, so it's not 100% pristine. Still a striking example for the locality, or any locality for that matter based upon the size and overall visceral beauty. Valued $2,500.
From the collection of the recently deceased Alvaro Lucio, arguably the most well-known and accomplished mineral dealer and collector in Brazil. Alvaro graduated with a degree in civil engineering, mining and metallurgy from the Escola de Minas de Ouro Preto in 1949. He began his PhD in the United States and completed it at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He worked as a professor of extractive metallurgy at UFMG, and also as a technical consultant for several companies in the sector. He was the author of several works, published in books and magazines around the world. He received several honors for his contribution to the development of metallurgy and the introduction of metallurgical physical chemistry in Brazil. His knowledge, solicitousness and enthusiasm will be greatly missed in the mineral world.