An extraordinary display of natural metallic brilliance! This impressive bladed hematite specimen from Nador, Morocco, features a dense concentration of thin, highly reflective crystals that shimmer like polished black mirrors.
Often called hymatite by mineral dealers, this striking crystal habit is known mineralogically as specular hematite, or specularite. Its distinctive flattened blades create a captivating arrangement of overlapping metallic plates, ranging from deep gunmetal gray to brilliant silver and black.
The crystals catch and reflect light from countless angles, creating a dazzling contrast against the surrounding natural rock. At nearly three pounds, this substantial specimen makes a dramatic display piece and a beautiful addition to any fine mineral collection.
Dimensions: 6.75 × 5.5 × 2.5 inches
Weight: 1,290 grams (2.84 lbs)
Locality: Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region, Morocco
Hematite is traditionally associated with grounding, protection, strength, and emotional balance.
Grounding: Believed to encourage stability and a stronger connection to the present moment.
Protection: Traditionally used as a stone of energetic protection.
Mental Clarity: Associated with concentration, focus, and clear decision-making.
Confidence: Thought to encourage courage, determination, and inner strength.
These associations reflect traditional crystal beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.
How Does Bladed Hematite Form?
Hematite forms when iron and oxygen combine to create iron oxide crystals. In suitable geological environments, iron-bearing mineralizing fluids can deposit hematite within fractures and cavities in rock.
When crystal growth favors expansion across broad, flat faces rather than thickness, hematite develops into thin, plate-like crystals. These naturally smooth crystal faces reflect light exceptionally well, producing the brilliant mirrorlike appearance characteristic of specularite.
What Makes Nador Hematite Special?
The Nador region of Morocco is well known among mineral collectors for its exceptionally lustrous hematite crystals. Unlike the rounded or massive hematite commonly encountered, these specimens feature distinct flattened crystals, often growing in overlapping clusters.
The most desirable examples combine strong metallic reflections, well-defined crystal faces, interesting formations, and attractive overall presentation.
What Makes This Specimen Special?
Nador, Morocco, is a recognized locality for lustrous hematite crystals. This specimen showcases a particularly attractive combination of broad reflective plates and smaller overlapping blades.
The different crystal sizes and orientations create wonderful depth, with some surfaces flashing brilliant silver while others appear nearly black.
Interesting Fact: Hematite Has a Colorful Secret!
Despite its silver-black metallic appearance, hematite produces a red to reddish-brown streak when powdered. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word for blood!
Hematite has been used as a natural red pigment since prehistoric times, making it a mineral with an extraordinary connection to human history.
Care & Display
Although hematite is relatively hard, its thin crystal blades can be fragile. Handle carefully, avoid rubbing or brushing the crystal faces, and display away from areas where the specimen might be bumped.
Authentic natural bladed hematite from Nador, Morocco
Brilliant mirrorlike metallic luster
Dense clusters of overlapping, flattened crystals
Dramatic silver-black and gunmetal reflections
Impressive large display specimen weighing 1,290 grams
Distinctive three-dimensional crystal growth
Excellent contrast between reflective hematite and natural host rock
Rare formation
Hematite (Specularite Variety)
Chemical Formula: Fe₂O₃ — Iron(III) oxide
Mineral Class: Oxides
Crystal System: Trigonal
Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6.5
Color: Steel gray, silver-gray, metallic black, or reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to highly brilliant
Streak: Red to reddish-brown
Cleavage: None; may exhibit crystallographic parting
Specific Gravity: Approximately 5.26
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal Habit: Tabular, platy, bladed, micaceous, and occasionally rosette-like formations
Distinctive Properties: Strong metallic reflections, characteristic red streak, high density, and naturally flattened crystal faces
An extraordinary display of natural metallic brilliance! This impressive bladed hematite specimen from Nador, Morocco, features a dense concentration of thin, highly reflective crystals that shimmer like polished black mirrors.
Often called hymatite by mineral dealers, this striking crystal habit is known mineralogically as specular hematite, or specularite. Its distinctive flattened blades create a captivating arrangement of overlapping metallic plates, ranging from deep gunmetal gray to brilliant silver and black.
The crystals catch and reflect light from countless angles, creating a dazzling contrast against the surrounding natural rock. At nearly three pounds, this substantial specimen makes a dramatic display piece and a beautiful addition to any fine mineral collection.
Dimensions: 6.75 × 5.5 × 2.5 inches
Weight: 1,290 grams (2.84 lbs)
Locality: Nador, Nador Province, Oriental Region, Morocco
Hematite is traditionally associated with grounding, protection, strength, and emotional balance.
Grounding: Believed to encourage stability and a stronger connection to the present moment.
Protection: Traditionally used as a stone of energetic protection.
Mental Clarity: Associated with concentration, focus, and clear decision-making.
Confidence: Thought to encourage courage, determination, and inner strength.
These associations reflect traditional crystal beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.
How Does Bladed Hematite Form?
Hematite forms when iron and oxygen combine to create iron oxide crystals. In suitable geological environments, iron-bearing mineralizing fluids can deposit hematite within fractures and cavities in rock.
When crystal growth favors expansion across broad, flat faces rather than thickness, hematite develops into thin, plate-like crystals. These naturally smooth crystal faces reflect light exceptionally well, producing the brilliant mirrorlike appearance characteristic of specularite.
What Makes Nador Hematite Special?
The Nador region of Morocco is well known among mineral collectors for its exceptionally lustrous hematite crystals. Unlike the rounded or massive hematite commonly encountered, these specimens feature distinct flattened crystals, often growing in overlapping clusters.
The most desirable examples combine strong metallic reflections, well-defined crystal faces, interesting formations, and attractive overall presentation.
What Makes This Specimen Special?
Nador, Morocco, is a recognized locality for lustrous hematite crystals. This specimen showcases a particularly attractive combination of broad reflective plates and smaller overlapping blades.
The different crystal sizes and orientations create wonderful depth, with some surfaces flashing brilliant silver while others appear nearly black.
Interesting Fact: Hematite Has a Colorful Secret!
Despite its silver-black metallic appearance, hematite produces a red to reddish-brown streak when powdered. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word for blood!
Hematite has been used as a natural red pigment since prehistoric times, making it a mineral with an extraordinary connection to human history.
Care & Display
Although hematite is relatively hard, its thin crystal blades can be fragile. Handle carefully, avoid rubbing or brushing the crystal faces, and display away from areas where the specimen might be bumped.
Authentic natural bladed hematite from Nador, Morocco
Brilliant mirrorlike metallic luster
Dense clusters of overlapping, flattened crystals
Dramatic silver-black and gunmetal reflections
Impressive large display specimen weighing 1,290 grams
Distinctive three-dimensional crystal growth
Excellent contrast between reflective hematite and natural host rock
Rare formation
Hematite (Specularite Variety)
Chemical Formula: Fe₂O₃ — Iron(III) oxide
Mineral Class: Oxides
Crystal System: Trigonal
Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6.5
Color: Steel gray, silver-gray, metallic black, or reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to highly brilliant
Streak: Red to reddish-brown
Cleavage: None; may exhibit crystallographic parting
Specific Gravity: Approximately 5.26
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal Habit: Tabular, platy, bladed, micaceous, and occasionally rosette-like formations
Distinctive Properties: Strong metallic reflections, characteristic red streak, high density, and naturally flattened crystal faces
