Hematite with Quartz and Calcite

This fine miniature packs in many characteristics of the West Cumbrian orefield, nicely displaying specular Hematite, Quartz and Calcite. From Florence mine, adjacent to the mining town of Egremont, a solid, massive plate of Hematite averaging 1 cm thick has its top face encrusted with stubby and well terminated Quartz crystals. These are transparent to translucent with a bright glassy lustre and vary from colourless to pale smoky grey. Two fine groups of vertically aligned Specular Hematite plates project upwards, some of which have a preferential coating of tiny nail-head Calcite crystals tinged pale flesh pink.