Haematite

This the red 'kidney ore' from West Cumbria.  It isn't  very red here, but it is a deep red.  Kidney ore because the surface has little round bumps similar to those found on a kidney.  Haematite is a rich source of iron and with coal and limestone nearby, played a big part in the iron and steel industry of West Cumberland (as it was called before 1974.)  This piece of haematite used to be part of a bigger (and heavier) piece of ore.  Inside you can see crystals.  This ore came from Florence Mine, Egremont.  Evidence of iron can be seen in the area by the red colour of soil.