Hematite

Having just looked at this Hematite from the Zillertal valley in the North Tyrol state of Austria, I could not but say outload, “Oh my!”. What a charming and stunning perfect miniature this is. It is strange to think how common a mineral Hematite is, but when crystallised at its best, is right up there amongst the absolute best of species! The crystals form as nested stacks of hexagonal plates, diminishing in diameter approaching the centre and nearly always exhibiting a gently concave, petal-like structure. The largest crystal measures 2.3 cm on edge and most faces of all plates are sub-composed of smaller perfect hexagonal plates. A little translucent milky-white Calcite is attached as well as delightful small hexagonal rosettes of silver-white Muscovite mica, these exactly mimicking the crystal habit of the Hematite! A truly outstanding Hematite from Austria.