Haematite Crystal Restormel Royal Iron Mine Cornwall UK Iron Ore Specimen

Genuine Haematite – Restormel Royal Iron Mine, Cornwall

This Haematite crystal from the historic Restormel Royal Iron Mine in Cornwall, UK, is a genuine mineral specimen carefully selected for quality and character. The photograph provided shows the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing and scale details.

Your crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine mineral identity and Cornish locality.

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Mineral Classification & Crystal Structure

Haematite, also spelled Hematite, is an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe₂O₃. It is one of the most important iron ore minerals worldwide and belongs to the oxide mineral group.

Mineral Name: Haematite
Chemical Formula: Fe₂O₃
Mineral Group: Oxide
Crystal System: Trigonal (Hexagonal scalenohedral class)
Hardness: 5–6.5 on the Mohs scale
Lustre: Metallic to submetallic or earthy
Colour: Steel grey, silver-grey, black to reddish-brown
Streak: Characteristic red to reddish-brown

Haematite commonly forms tabular, platy, reniform (kidney-shaped), botryoidal or massive habits. Well-crystallised examples may show sharp trigonal symmetry, while some specimens display specular, mirror-like surfaces known as specularite.

The distinctive red streak is a key diagnostic feature, even when the external appearance is metallic grey.

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Geological Formation – Cornish Iron Mineralisation

The Restormel Royal Iron Mine is part of Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. Cornish mineralisation is closely associated with late-stage hydrothermal activity related to the Variscan orogeny and granite intrusions that shaped the region during the late Carboniferous to early Permian periods.

Haematite in Cornwall typically formed through:

• Hydrothermal vein deposition

• Replacement processes within host rock

• Secondary oxidation of iron-rich minerals

Iron-bearing fluids migrated through fractures in surrounding rocks, depositing iron oxides as temperatures and chemical conditions changed. In some cases, earlier iron minerals such as magnetite or siderite were altered to haematite through oxidation.

Associated minerals in Cornish iron deposits may include:

• Goethite

• Quartz

• Chalcopyrite

• Pyrite

• Cassiterite

• Tourmaline

The geological setting gives Cornish haematite specimens both mineralogical and historical importance.

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Crystal Characteristics & Surface Features

This specimen may display:

• Metallic steel-grey crystal faces

• Botryoidal or reniform growth structures

• Fine natural surface texture

• High density and solid feel

Specular varieties exhibit reflective surfaces due to microscopic plate-like crystal alignment. Massive forms show smooth, curved surfaces with a natural polish created by mineral growth patterns.

Natural inclusions, matrix attachment or surface variation are part of the mineral’s formation history and contribute to its individuality as a geological specimen.

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Collectibility & Historical Significance

Haematite has been a principal source of iron for centuries, and Cornish iron mines played a significant role in Britain’s industrial development. Specimens from named historical mines such as Restormel Royal Iron Mine are especially desirable to collectors of British minerals.

Collectors value Cornish haematite for:

• Documented historic locality

• Classic iron oxide formation

• Strong metallic lustre

• Geological connection to the Cornish mining tradition

This crystal is ideal for mineral cabinets, educational collections, and collectors specialising in UK mining heritage specimens.

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Authenticity & Presentation

This Haematite crystal has been carefully chosen to represent the quality and geological character of Restormel Royal Iron Mine material. The image shown is of the exact specimen you will receive.

Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that this is a genuine Cornish Haematite specimen.

A striking example of British iron mineralisation, this piece combines geological interest, mining history and classic mineral aesthetics in one authentic Cornish crystal.