Fibbia "iron roses" from the Alps represent some of the definitive old-style hematites from the Alps and are one of the great European classics of all time. However, significant ones like this are very difficult to find on the market. This particular specimen was one of Jack's favorites as it has such a nice balance of aesthetics and size. The "Eisenroses" measure anywhere from 3 cm across and 2.5 cm thick(!!). It has fantastic composition with one large hematite rose front-and-center - literally, the epitome of the term "iron rose". There are several other hematites on the piece that decorate the glistening adularia and quartz matrix resulting in a cabinet piece of a hefty size and perfectly balanced. It is complete all around save only a few slight contacts and a small bit of wear on a few of the smaller crystals. Overall just a superb old classic in unusually presentable aesthetic quality, that has been in Jacks collection for nearly 40 years. Sadly, there is no prior history, but these generally came out of older collections. For the size and price point, it would be hard to imagine a better one. Featured in the book Addicted to Beauty: The Legacy of Jack Halpern (Mineralogical Record, March 2025) on page 150, fig. 153.