Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil

8.7 x 4.2 x 1.8 cm

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Ex. Luiz Menezes

Rutile crystals have grown epitaxially from Hematite crystals forming radiating, flower like shapes. These flowers are still intact on a reddish colored matrix. The rutile is golden in color with a reddish tint and has a bright, metallic luster. The specimen is from a small find which included one large specimen with many Rutile stars scattered across the surface and now resides in the Smithsonian. Luiz was kind enough to show me the specimen even though it was already spoken for and was already packed away. When I mentioned it was unusual to find the Rutile still attached to the matrix, he explained that the miners usually chipped the flowers from the matrix because they thought they were more valuable that way. He was too late to save all but a few of the matrix specimens.

Condition: Very Good

Flaws: Nothing Appreciable

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From Brazil | Oxides and Hydroxides | Minerals Priced 500 Dollars and Greater