Magnetite

specimen number:
2351051

location:
Iron Hat Mine, San Bernardino Co., California, USA

description:
One side of this matrix is covered by non-lustrous sharply formed crystals of magnetite measuring to 1.5 cm in size. This is in good condition. Good locality example for the species.

Located in the Marble Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, the Iron Hat Mine (also known as the Iron Age Mine) is a historic iron deposit formed through contact metamorphism where granitic intrusions altered limestone host rocks. Discovered in the late 19th century and actively mined during the mid-20th century, the site produced iron ore, primarily magnetite and hematite, to support regional industrial growth and wartime steel manufacturing. Today, the mine is a popular destination for mineral collectors who visit the desert locality to gather well-formed specimens of magnetite, hematite, garnet, epidote, and actinolite from the historic tailings and outcrop dumps.

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