Hematite var. Martite (ps. after Magnetite)

Item Description

Martite is a variety of Hematite that is now known to be pseudomorphed after Magnetite but many old labels still use the old name which was meant to indicate that it was a different and strange crystal habit of hematite.. These crystals are sharp and exceptionally well-formed, have an excellent metallic luster, and the largest among this rich cluster is about 8 mm on edge. The first Martites were described in Minas Gerais, Brazil but have now been found in many places off and on. These pieces are part of a century-old Italian collection that was recently acquired. Its historic nature, aside from the sheer age of the specimens, is reflected in how dramatically geopolitical borders have changed since these labels were created. The label seems to refre to Digby in New York but we find online that this is actually part of Nova Scotia, and so the label was probably an honest accident of mis-direction at the time (100 years before MINDAT!). Digby Neck is a Canadian peninsula extending into the Bay of Fundy in Digby County, Nova Scotia. Digby Neck is the western extension of the North Mountain range from the Annapolis Valley and is made of two thick lava flows. (Wikipedia)