When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is a beautiful specimen of specular hematite (also called specularite) from the historic Champion Iron Mine near Champion in Marquette County, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The surface is covered in fine, plate-like grains of hematite that catch the light from nearly every angle, creating a bright, silvery metallic glitter effect. In sunlight or under a strong light it looks almost like natural glitter or a field of tiny mirrors. The luster is classic specular: sharp, reflective, and eye-catching without any artificial coating or treatment.
This material comes from the Negaunee Iron Formation (Paleoproterozoic, roughly 1.9–2.1 billion years old). Moderate metamorphism turned the original iron-rich sediments into the micaceous, schistose specular hematite that collectors and rockhounds prize from the Champion/Beacon mine dumps. The Champion Iron Mine was an important producer in the Marquette Iron Range, operating from the late 1800s into the mid-20th century.
Possible uses:
- Attractive display specimen — it draws attention on a shelf or in a collection case.
- Lapidary material — hardness is generally in the 5–6 range, so it can be cut and used for cabochons, jewelry, or other projects.
- Unique garden or landscape accent — the iron content is relatively slow to rust and the sparkle holds up outdoors.
A light sparkly dust can come off with handling (much like actual glitter). This is normal for good specularite and part of its character.
See photos for size and weight.
