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 large deposits of Hematite formed from the blood spilt in ancient battles battles. Crystals of Hematite are considered rare and are highly sought-after, together with Kidney Ore specimens. 

Description: A white quartz matrix contining an indentation on one side. This is filled with crystals of black Hematite. Magnification shows that many of these are classic rhombohedral crystals, many of them twinned. The mineral has a very strong luster which when set against the white Quartz is very attractive.

Location: Bottalack Mine, Bottalack, Cornwall, England.