Quartz with Hematite

specimen number:
8311100

location:
Soudan Mine, St. Louis Co., Minnesota, USA

description:

Gemmy colorless to red crystals of quartz measuring to almost 4.5 cm in length across the top of a hematite matrix. Chlorite is present as well. The red color is due to the inclusions of hematite. Some damage is present as seen, this still very fine for these exceptionally rare and prized examples from this Minnesota locality. Specimens from here are rarely seen available on the market today, especially in this size and quality.

The Soudan Mine in northern Minnesota is the oldest and one of the most important iron mines in the state, with mining beginning in 1884 after rich hematite deposits were discovered on the Vermilion Range. It was the first iron mine in Minnesota and helped establish the state as a major iron producing region. Operations began as an open pit and later moved underground, eventually reaching depths of more than 2,300 feet. The mine operated until 1962 under companies including U.S. Steel. After closure, it was turned over to the state and is now preserved as a historic site and state park, with parts of the underground workings later used for scientific research.

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