Description

Detailed Description

This is a one-of-a-kind specimen from Chub Lake – it features three mounded groups of tightly-packed bladed hematite crystals – two at the top of the piece. The individual crystals are relatively small, giving the mounds a true black colour, with lots of sparkle. Almost like black velvet with metallic sparkle. Of course, with magnification, hundreds of hematite crystals are visible. The piece is relatively thin, having been lifted from the sold rock to which is was attached. In excellent condition, some minor tiny rubs visible with magnification. From the Pete Richards collection, he collected it in July 1984.  This is a striking display piece – looks fantastic supported to stand as in the first photo.

About Pete Richards (click here)

About these Chub Lake Hematites

The Chub Lake prospect has been known since the 1850s, and fine specimens were collected there (and at area hematite mines in St. Lawrence Co., around Edwards and Fowler) in the 19th century. For quite some time in the 20th century, the localities had fallen into obscurity. In 1983, Chub Lake was rediscovered by George Robinson, Schuyler Alverson and Ronald Waddell, and for a time thereafter, it was worked by collectors for specimens. Pete Richards was one of those collectors – he collected there at the peak of this activity in 1984. The locality is no longer a prolific producer of collector specimens.