Mineral Species: Hematite

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: A well-shaped single nodule showing the characteristic form. On the reverse the specimen shows the internal structure which consists of very thin radiaiting crystals, often arranged in successive layers. The truly remarkable fearure of the outside and interior of the specimen is its resemblance to a kidney, hence the name.

Location: Bouse, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA.