TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Hematites

Hematites is a mineral with formula Fe₂O₃, in the Óxidos + Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Mina La Celia, Jumilla, Murcia, Región de Murcia, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Hematites from Mina La Celia, Jumilla, Murcia, Región de Murcia, España — Terrium

Description

Uncommon association of micaceous hematite in a dark cavity with white spherulites of aragonite. Fluorescent and phosphorescent under UV light.

About Hematites

Hematite is a very common iron oxide, recognisable by its metallic lustre in specular varieties and by its red streak when crushed or rubbed on unglazed ceramic.

About the locality

Mina La Celia, in Jumilla, lies in a distinctive volcanic setting within the Region of Murcia. It has yielded associations of secondary minerals in cavities of volcanic rock and was for years a sought-after site for collectors. Access is now restricted for environmental protection, especially due to the presence of bat colonies; mineralogical looting has also been cited as a reason for closure, although that argument is debatable against the much larger volumes of material historically moved by mining.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0008
Composition
Fe₂O₃
Name
Hematites
Group
Óxidos + Carbonatos
Category
Cavella
Matrix
Escoria volcánica
Associations
aragonito
Mine
Mina La Celia
District / Municipality
Jumilla
Province
Murcia
Region
Región de Murcia
Country
España
Size (cm)
8.5 x 6 x 4
Weight
91.4 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
Hematite derives from the Greek "haima" (blood), after the deep red colour of its powder. Aragonite is named after Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), where it was first described.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

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