Hematite

An exceptional thumbnail specimen of hematite pseudomorph after magnetite from the famous Payún Matrú Volcano, Argentina. The specimen faithfully preserves the sharp octahedral form and intricate skeletal growth of the original magnetite crystal, while complete replacement by lustrous hematite has produced a striking metallic finish. Pseudomorphs such as this are among the most fascinating products of mineral formation, recording the complete chemical replacement of one mineral by another while preserving the original crystal morphology in remarkable detail. Fine thumbnail specimens from this locality are particularly uncommon and highly desirable.

The Payún Matrú Volcano lies within the remote Payunia volcanic field of Mendoza Province, western Argentina, at elevations exceeding 3,600 metres (12,000 feet). Since their discovery in the early 2000s, these remarkable hematite pseudomorphs have become one of the locality's signature collector minerals. Production has always been sporadic due to the locality's remoteness, and well-preserved thumbnails such as this are seldom encountered on the market. A classic and highly aesthetic pseudomorph from one of the world's most celebrated modern hematite localities.