Hematite

specimen number:
2262008

location:
Hiawatha Mine #1, Iron Co., Michigan, USA

description:
Botryoidal semi lustrous hematite, the type often called kidney ore, across the top of a thin hematite matrix. In very good condition. Quite choice for this old and important Michigan locality. The specimen comes with a previous data card as shown at the end of the video.

The Hiawatha Number 1 Mine, located in the Iron River-Stambaugh District of Iron County, Michigan, was a significant producer of iron ore on the Menominee Range. Geologically, the deposit consisted of massive bodies of hematite and goethite hosted within the Precambrian-aged Riverton Iron Formation. The ore was formed through the oxidation and secondary enrichment of banded iron formations, where silica was leached out and replaced by iron oxides in structural troughs and folds. Historically, the mine began operations in 1893 and was operated for much of its life by the M.A. Hanna Company. It was one of the deepest mines in the district, with shafts reaching depths of over 2,000 feet to access high-grade direct-shipping ore. The mine remained a steady producer through the mid-20th century, finally ceasing operations in 1966 as the demand for underground iron ore declined in favor of more economical open-pit taconite mines.

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