Detailed information
Species
Hematite, Quartz
Dimensions
32 x 46 x 30
mm
Weight
74 g
Locality
Elba Island Livorno Province Tuscany, Italy
Condition
No recorded repairs
This is a miniature European classic. Thick bladed crystals of Hematite have been known for centuries from the Isle of Elba and many fine specimens grace historical European collections. Indeed, during the early 19th century these represented the pinnacle of crystal form for Hematite, pre-dating the thinner, razor-sharp bladed Specular Hematite crystals from the West Cumbrian iron mines in northern England. However, by the early 20th century Elba Hematite specimens were becoming harder and harder to find available. This lovely miniature not only displays the complex bladed crystal form really well, but it also shows the fine surface iridescence sometimes seen with this material. Not only that, but it is also associated with the classic 'needle' Quartz crystals. A small, but fine European classic.