A fascinating specimen of golden Rutile “needles” emanating from dark, mirror-like metallic Hematite. This relationship between Rutile and Hematite is referred to as epitaxial growth. Epitaxy: Growing a crystal layer of one mineral (Rutile) on the crystal base of another mineral (Hematite) in such a manner that its crystalline orientation is the same as that of the substrate. (thefreedictionary.com. Parenthesis mine.) That very rare and unique crystal orientation is what makes this crystal growth and this specimen so unique and amazing. A beautiful piece!

Location: Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil

Size: 4.8 x 2.8 x 5.6 cm