Hematite, Magnetite

11.8 x 5.6 x 4.4 cm. We have all seen these over the last 6-7 years, in spurts, trickle out of this national park area and surprise us with the sharp symmetry of these replacements. However, for the first time, this new batch which came to market has real lustre, not just a metallic sheen on a battleship-gray surface but really lustrous and sparkly. I do not know what particular quick of geological conditions caused this, but the particular groups which came to the show THIS year are just superior to previous finds in the lustre department. Of them, this was one of the best for my taste, a complete-all-around stack of geometrical shapes perched unlikely , one atop another. Along with the stunning sculptural form of the original magnetite crystals, in both sharp octahedrons and exquisite hopper growth, this specimen has outstanding luster which is hard to convey in the photo. The largest octahedron measures 2.2 cm in length and, by the way, this is a complete floater - no contact points anywhere, complete all around!


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Photo added: 5th Apr 2008