Chemical Formula: Fe2O3

Chemical Name: Iron Oxide

Mineral Class: Oxide

Mineral Notes: Hematite is an important ore of iron and it's red colour makes it a useful pigment. The mineral gets its name from a Greek word meaning blood-like because of this colour. Ancient belief held that deposits of Hematite formed from the blood spilt on battlefields. Kidney Ore is a massive variety where the mineral has aggregated into botryoidal or reniform (kidney shaped) habit. These are rare and very sought-after by collectors.

Description: This Hematite specimen is typical of the variety known as "kidney ore". It shows the chracteristic rounded botryoidal habit very well. Consisting of sevaral large lobes, the outer surface is well rounded, smooth and undulating. The luster is a very bright metallic sheen interspersed with brown and black highlights. 

Location: Ouro Pereto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.