Hematite (Iron Rose)
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameHematite (Iron Rose)
Chemical FormulaFe2O3
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorreddish-brown
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity5.26
Colorssteel-gray, black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBatère mines, Corsavy, Arles sur Tech, Pyrénées-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesiron ore, pigment, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsdolomite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a beautiful 'Iron Rose' formation of hematite, characterized by its radiating, tabular, dark metallic gray crystals arranged in a rosette-like pattern, with white dolomite crystals interspersed.
Geological Context
Hematite forms in various geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The 'Iron Rose' habit is typically found in alpine-type fissures and metamorphic environments, often associated with hydrothermal activity.
