Hematite var: Martite (pseudomorph after Magnetite) (uncommon locality)

Item Description

This an excellent and rarely seen example of "Martite" from the Cerro de Mercado Mine in Durango, Mexico. For reference, Martite is defined as a variety of Hematite which has pseudomorphed after Magnetite. The pseudmorph form due to the fleeing of oxygen, as Magnetite has one more oxygen ion than Hematite. This piece is an excellent display specimen featuring a full coverage of good sized, sharp, well-formed octahedral crystals measuring up to 2.3 cm across, with a deep grey metallic color on the surface. There is a contact near the center of the specimen, but overall it's in very good shape. One of the VERY few pieces we've had to offer from this mine, and quite possibly the best one we've ever had to offer in the auctions. The piece comes with an old label from Peter Megaw.