Description

Very fine specimen of “oligiste iron” from Rio Marina on the island of Elba in Italy.
The name “oligiste” was coined by the French mineralogist Haüy in the early 19th century.
He derived it from the Greek “oligos”, meaning “little”, to emphasize the low iron content of this mineral species, compared with other iron-containing minerals.
The island of Elba lies between Corsica and Italy, and is home to large deposits of hematite, which has been mined as an iron ore since at least Roman times.
These deposits also contain fine pyrites.
Napoleon was exiled there in 1814-15.
The hematite crystals in this specimen show a beautiful natural rainbow iridescence, with pronounced colors, giving a particular brilliance to this rare sample.
This hematite is supplied with its antique label from the Paris mineral dealer Deyrolle.  

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