MAGNETITE
Specimen mag-9
$ 64.00Dims: 2.6" x 2.3" x 1.4" (6.6 x 5.8 x 3.6 cm)
Wt: 3.86 oz. (109.5 g)
Serro, Minas Gerais, Brazil
The finely-grained, green micaceous host rock of this specimen holds at least 2 Magnetite crystals, one of which is highly visible. It has the dark gray coloration and metallic luster that is common for this mineral, and shows an excellent though somewhat odd octahedral form. It has dimensions of 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.4" (1.5 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm) and looks as if it has been "stretched" so that it is longer along one axis than the others. Thus, what would normally have been 2 points on opposing sides of the octahedron are actually 2 edges! Nonetheless, it is in perfect condition, showing no visible damage whatsoever. About 1" (2.5 cm) from this crystal, a tiny metallic flash can be seen where a very small portion of another Magnetite crystal has been exposed. Some careful work with a steel dental probe or pick will expose this other crystal.