Ilmenite

specimen number:
2133180

location:
Kragero, Telemark, Norway

description:
Very large loose crystal of ilmenite. The specimen comes with several previous labels, including one noting a donation piece by L. L. Hubbard to the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Tech University.

Ilmenite from the classic locality at Kragero, Norway, is historically important as some of the earliest described material of this iron titanium oxide mineral. The deposits in the Kragero area occur within igneous rocks, particularly gabbro and related intrusions, where ilmenite forms as massive aggregates and well crystallized grains. These occurrences played a key role in early mineralogical studies during the 19th century, helping to define the species and its properties. Specimens from Kragero are typically black with a metallic to submetallic luster and are often associated with minerals such as magnetite and apatite. The locality remains significant both for its scientific history and as a classic source of ilmenite.

Lucius Lee Hubbard (1849 to 1933) was an American geologist associated with the Michigan Geological Survey and later the Michigan College of Mines, now Michigan Technological University. He is best known for his work on the geology of the Lake Superior region, particularly iron and copper deposits in Michigan.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.