Native Iron

Although iron is one of the most prolific elements in the Earth’s crust, Native iron is remarkably rare.  This is because it is readily forms combines with other elements, oxygen for example when we see rust on everyday objects and the same applies to its mineralogy.  This excellent cabinet specimen is from the basalt quarry at Bühl on the southern outskirts of the village of Weimar in Kassel, Hesse, Germany.  Like so many localities, collecting here is no longer allowed as it is a protected nature reserve.  The iron is associated with the presence of lignite, reactions between this and the basalt have caused the Native Iron to concentrate.  This fine cabinet specimen could be taken for a meteorite and exhibits an outer oxidized rusty crust backing a sawn and polished cross-section of almost solid dull silver Native Iron with a reasonably bright metallic lustre.  A fine specimen.