mineral

Magnetite / Hematite rich ore

Magnetite (Fe3O4) or Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Iron-black to dark brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric or Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor/None. High specific gravity.

Hardness: 5
Color: Iron-black to dark brown
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified May 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Iron-black to dark brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric or Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor/None. High specific gravity.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments through cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids; often found in banded iron formations.

Uses & applications

Primary source of iron for steel manufacturing; used as heavy media separation, pigments, and in jewelry (as magnetic hematite).

Geological facts

Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the naturally-occurring minerals on Earth; naturally magnetized pieces are called lodestones.

Field identification & locations

Identify by using a magnet (magnetite is strongly attracted) or a streak test (hematite leaves a reddish-brown streak while magnetite leaves black). Commonly found in iron mines and rocky shorelines.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral