Andrade Mine, Joao Monlevade, Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This material is often called "rainbow" Hematite. Reportedly, the iridescence is caused by a thin film of aluminum phosphates. In years past, I remember seeing similar material from the iron ranges of Michigan, although it was not in thin layers. This was very hard to get a decent picture of; I tried several times over the last year.

5.3 x 1 x 0.9 cm

Sold Specimen retained as part of the Minerals Sold But Not Forgotten Galleries