Hematite

specimen number:
2072265

location:
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

description:
A mostly loose cluster of lustrous metallic platy hematite crystals. In good condition with minimal micro-damage present.

Ouro Preto, located in the Iron Quadrangle of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a historic center for both precious metals and high-quality iron oxide minerals. Geologically, the region is defined by the Itabira Group, a massive sequence of Paleoproterozoic banded iron formations known as itabirites, which underwent significant metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration. This environment produced exceptional specimens of hematite, particularly in the form of highly lustrous, tabular crystals and the "iron rose" habit, where metallic plates arrange themselves in rosettes. Historically, the town was founded in the late 17th century as Vila Rica and became the epicenter of the Brazilian Gold Rush, with mining activity peaking throughout the 18th century. While the initial focus was on alluvial and primary gold, the surrounding mountains have been extensively quarried for iron ore for over a century, supporting Brazil's industrial steel production. Today, while many of the colonial gold mines are preserved as historical sites, the broader district remains one of the most productive iron-mining regions in the world and continues to be a primary source for world-class hematite specimens.

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