Hematite ("Kidney Ore"), Florence Mine, Egremont, Cumbria, England

Sometimes we overuse the word "classic" to describe many minerals and localities, but not in this case. I remember seeing illustrations of English "kidney ore" in my first guidebook on rocks and minerals as a child. The unique form of the hematite is alluring as are the ancient mines of Cumbria themselves. Our offering is a beast, measuring up to 12.5 cm and weighing in at 1.5 kg! Excellent botryoidal form with two contacts exposing the needle-like crystals that actually make up the interior of the hematite. Truly fascinating! Like they say in the collector car market, they are not making any more of these! A real chance to own a true English and mineral classic. From: Florence Mine, Egremont, Copeland, Cumbria, England. Dimensions: 8 cm x 10 cm x 12.5 cm