Detailed information
Species
Magnesioferrite, Hematite
Dimensions
20 x 17 x 15
mm
Weight
4 g
Locality
Mt. Vesuvius Somma-Vesuvius Complex Naples Province, Campania, Italy
Condition
No recorded repairs
Magnesioferrite is an extremely rare magnesium analogue of Magnetite which was first described from Mount Vesuvius near Naples, Italy during the 1850s. This extremely well-crystallized thumbnail specimen from Mount Vesuvius displays classic octahedral Magnesioferrite crystals overgrown and, in parts, included with, sharp glossy black bladed Hematite crystals of the variety known as Specularite. Individually, the Magnesioferrite crystals reach 5 mm across and a small piece of classic igneous rock adds character and authenticity to this, undoubtedly very old specimen. Material from Mount Vesuvius is almost never seen for sale. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).