Hematite var. Specularite

Specularite is the black, crystallised variety of Hematite and this is a great miniature specimen, ideal for anyone on the look-out for one of Northern England’s classic species.  The term ‘Specular Hematite’ is also used.  This excellent example is from Florence mine by the town of Egremont in Cumbria and back in the 1960’s and 70’s such specimens were considered commonplace.  But once the mine finally closed in 1980, this seemingly endless supply stopped and it is now sought after and becoming increasingly scarce.  Strange how times change.  The highly lustrous metallic black platy crystals of about 5 mm wide, entirely cover the upper surface of a matt, brick-red plate of massive Hematite.