Dolomite and Quartz on Hematite var. Specularite

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This is a classic West Cumbrian Iron mines combination piece, featuring three of the famous species for which the area is rightly renowned, and one of those as two different varieties. Small cabinet in size, it has an attractive sculptural form, brought about by its core of bubbly botryoidal Hematite - the variety locally called 'Kidney Ore'. Upon this is a thin layer of sparkling black metallic blades of Specular Hematite, or Specularite as it is sometimes known. Then, following in the paragenetic order, or sequence of formation, are small colourless, glossy, bipyramidal Quartz crystals and then curved rhombic buff-coloured Dolomite crystals. There is a little bruising to the Specularite along the surface of one of the botryoids, but otherwise this is a very nice displayable piece from the famous Florence mine near Egremont. Ex Malcolm Southwood Collection and ex Glyn Cunnick.