Hematite var. Iron Rose

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"Iron Rose's", a very distinctive form of aggregated platy Hematite crystals, are one of the iconic alpine mineral species from the European Alps. Known for centuries from the high alpine valleys, passes and summits, this form of Hematite was also known in historic times from Minas Gerais in Brazil, but in inferior specimens and has been seen, in more recent times, from China and Pakistan but those from the European Alps always stand out from the others in quality. This colossal (6.8 cm wide) iron rose is magnificent, a statement piece, which although large miniature in size grabs attention in any display cabinet. Completely detached from matrix, the individual 'petals' are quite robust and display clear straight crystal edges, rather than rounded sides. The Hematite is grey and metallic, but not mirror-bright as in some specimens. As a general rule, the larger the crystals the less reflective they become, but the more crystallographic detail is presented. It comes from the famed St. Gotthard area in Switzerland, and more specifically from the Lucendro Valley - an elevated valley over 2,000 m above sea level. Ex Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) collection. It comes with a custom-made Sunnywood display stand.