2.1" Hematite Botryoidal Kidney Ore Rock Mineral Specimen Irhoud Mine, Morocco

Location: Irhoud Mine, Morocco

Weight: 3.3 Ounces 

Dimension: 2.1 Inches Long, 1.2 Inches Wide, 1.2 Inches thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Botryoidal Hematite

Hematite is a very common mineral composed of iron oxide. Its color ranges from steel gray to nearly black, as seen in the specular hematite variety. Another well-known form, rainbow hematite, displays shimmering hues similar to oil patches on water. The drusy variety of rainbow hematite is often backed with quartz to enhance its durability. Although the appearance of hematite varies, all forms share a rust-red streak, which is a key identifying feature.

Hematite is harder than pure iron but more brittle. Its name originates from the Greek word “haimatites,” meaning blood, a reference to its red coloration in powdered form. Major deposits of hematite are found in Australia, Brazil (particularly the rainbow variety), England, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is also the state mineral of Alabama (USA), where around 375 million tons were mined between 1840 and 1975.

Hematite, a primary iron ore, is abundant on Earth and also widespread on Mars, where it is responsible for the planet’s distinctive reddish surface color. It was first detected on Mars by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) aboard NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor.