Hematite with Rutile

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A striking specimen of this well-known combination of species from Brazil, combining shimmering, bright golden acicular rutile crystals with lustrous, unusually robust, tabular crystals of hematite. This piece features a prominent, pseudo-hexagonal plate of hematite front and center that measures 4.5 cm across and 1 cm thick! This size and sharp machined-look is highly unusual and different from the usual more jumbly appearances; and the razor sharp edges are wide and lustrous. They are brilliantly reflective like a metallic species should be but generally we only see frontal hematite faces in this material, not such fine side edges. That makes all the difference between a superb specimen and a superior specimen of higher level in context. And, this is that...one of the best in size class, we believe. There is a demarcation down the center of the crystal where there are oriented, parallel, resplendent rutile needles at an angle across that part of the face, whereas the other side is essentially devoid of rutile. This same broad face of the hematite crystal also shows subtle geometric growth patterns for additional character. There are at least a dozen other hematite crystals that make up this attractive piece in random orientation and display varying amounts of rutile. There is one distinct hematite on the right side that shows a central, about 1 cm hematite with epitaxial growths of rutile radiating out that alternate with bladed hematite. Other hematites on the piece show this same feature, but not as well developed as this one, even the large crystal to a lesser degree if you look carefully. The piece is nearly pristine, with just a few tiny damaged crystal portions, you have to struggle to see in any case, up close. This piece is just beautiful and sits well on its own for display. Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher #SCH1131