Hematite var. Specularite with Quartz

Specularite, the black tabular crystalline variety of Hematite, is an iconic mineral from the iron mines of West Cumbria in northwest England. This magnificent large cabinet specimen is composed of a roughly 14 x 8 cm plate of Hematite with its upper display surface completely encrusted with jet-black blades of Specular Hematite to about 0.8 cm wide. The entire matrix plate is only 5 mm thick which provides a delicacy to the specimen’s aesthetic while remaining strong and robust. As with most Specularite the crystals have a brilliant lustre which create a sparkling effect and embedded amongst these are about five greyish to milky Quartz crystals, all double terminated and translucent, the largest to 1.7 cm across. Do note a few of the Specularite blades are slightly bruised, but these are peripheral to the specimen and are hardly noticeable when displayed. A terrific Cumbrian Specular Hematite with well crystallised Quartz.