Iridescent Hematite

Iridescent Hematite, Rainbow Hematite
Stunning Rainbow Hematite. Photo: Jose Miguel Sola Fdez.


Hematite, Jarosite, Quartz

The specimen in the photo is From: Filon 340, Rodalquilar, Níjar, Almería, Andalusia, Spain

Iridescent hematite, also called rainbow hematite, displays a variety of beautiful interference colours. Usually, a thin film comprised of aluminium and phosphate was found to coat such hematite, although one example of a coating with aluminium and arsenate was discovered. The thin films that range from tens to hundreds of nanometers thick are believed to cause the colour.


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