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Specular Hematitie (a.k.a. Specularite) The first piece below was found in Wyoming. This is the mineral form of iron oxide, which forms at temperatures above 950 degrees C. Hematite is the main ore of iron. Specular hematite usually forms where there has been standing water or hot springs, such as in Yellowstone National Park. It precipitates out of water and collects at the bottom of a lake or hot spring, but it can also form without water from volcanic activity. The next two photos are of a specimen I purchased from China. (source: Wikipedia) Return to List Back to Michael's Hobbies page Back to Michael Marcotte's HomePage