Hematite

specimen number:
2063339

location:
Rio Marina, Elba, Tuscany, Italy

description:
Classic Italian locality for the species, a very sharp bright lustrous metallic crystal of hematite measuring 1.7 x 1.5 x 1.0 cm in size standing straight up from a crystallized quartz matrix with smaller hematite crystals. Very minimal damage present along the edges of the matrix only, the prominent crystal is in very good condition all around. The specimen comes with several previous labels, including one from the collection of Ray DeMark, and another from the A. E. Seaman mineral Museum, ex L. L. Hubbard collection.

Located on the eastern coast of the island of Elba in Tuscany, Italy, Rio Marina is famous for its ancient iron ore deposits hosted within metamorphosed Paleozoic and Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Iron mining in the district dates back thousands of years to the Etruscans and Romans, continuing through the modern era until operations ceased in the late twentieth century. World-renowned among mineral collectors, the open-pit mines of Rio Marina are celebrated for producing magnificent, highly lustrous hematite crystals with brilliant iridescent tarnish, as well as exceptionally large, well-crystallized pyrite specimens.

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