Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Hematite with quartz aragonite
Fe2O3Ludlow, Mojave Desert, CA
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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
In the mineral-rich terrain near Ludlow in California’s Mojave Desert, hematite often appears in stunning combination with quartz and aragonite. Hematite, the primary ore of iron, forms as deep red to metallic gray crystals and masses. When paired with clear quartz and creamy or fibrous aragonite, the visual contrast is striking—an eye-catching blend shaped by heat, pressure, and hydrothermal activity. These minerals formed in cavities and fractures of volcanic rock, slowly crystallizing as mineral-rich fluids cooled. Hematite’s industrial value is immense, but in this natural setting, its aesthetic appeal stands out just as strongly. The aragonite adds structure, while the quartz offers sparkle, making this trio a favorite among collectors and geologists. Together, they tell a layered story of geologic transformation in the heart of the desert, a quiet yet powerful record of the Mojave’s dynamic volcanic history.