Hematoid Quartz Sphere | Quartz with Hematite Inclusions | Brazil | Lapidary Form

Specimen Overview

Mineral: Quartz (SiO₂) with hematite inclusions
Weight: 153 g
Diameter: approx. 5–5.5 cm
Circumference: approx. 15 cm
Form: Polished sphere
Locality: Brazil (typical material origin)
UV Reaction: No notable fluorescence under 365 nm
Stand included: No (photography stand not included)
Condition: Excellent polish; natural internal growth features present

This is the exact sphere pictured.

About This Specimen

This polished quartz sphere contains bold red-orange hematite inclusions suspended within clear to translucent silica.

Flame-like bands of iron oxide intersect through the body of the quartz, creating the appearance of frozen geological movement. These inclusions were incorporated during crystal growth, forming layered internal structures fully integrated into the quartz rather than surface staining.

Notably, delicate dendritic hematite growth can be observed within the central inclusion plane — fine branching iron formations that developed during crystallisation. These structures form as mineral-rich fluids shift chemistry and oxidation states, leaving behind intricate, tree-like internal architecture.

The spherical lapidary form allows complete rotational visibility, revealing:

• Intersecting growth planes

• Inclusion zoning

• Dendritic hematite formations

• Internal stress fractures

• Subtle prismatic rainbows under directional light

This is natural geological architecture presented in three dimensions.

Geological Formation

Quartz crystallises from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids circulating through fractures in host rock.

During crystallisation, iron-bearing fluids or microscopic hematite particles became trapped within the growing quartz lattice. As oxidation occurred, the iron developed its characteristic red to orange coloration.

The layered and branching internal structures seen in this sphere reflect:

• Multi-stage crystal growth

• Variations in fluid chemistry

• Shifting temperature and pressure conditions

• Oxidation of iron within enclosed fractures

Each inclusion records a change in geological environment during formation.

Approximate Geological Age

Quartz deposits of this type are commonly associated with hydrothermal systems linked to tectonic and volcanic activity.

Much Brazilian inclusion-bearing quartz formed during:

Mesozoic to early Cenozoic geological periods
(~50–250 million years ago).

During this span of Earth’s history:

• Dinosaurs dominated terrestrial ecosystems (earlier in this range)

• Flowering plants were diversifying

• Major continental rearrangements were underway

• Volcanic and tectonic systems were highly active across Gondwanan fragments

While this sphere is a modern lapidary cut, the material itself formed during a vastly different chapter of Earth’s history.

Rarity & Collectability

Quartz is abundant.
Quartz with strong, well-defined internal hematite zoning, dendritic development, and visual depth is not.

What distinguishes this piece:

• Bold flame-like iron banding

• Strong colour contrast within clear silica

• Visible dendritic hematite growth

• Internal growth architecture

• Natural internal rainbows

• Balanced spherical polish

A compact yet visually powerful example of inclusion-rich quartz.

Condition Notes

Minor surface irregularities may be visible or felt in places. These are not impact chips or handling damage.

They result from natural internal growth fractures and inclusion planes intersecting the polished surface. Such features are inherent to the material and reflect the quartz’s geological history.

The sphere remains structurally sound and displays beautifully from all angles.