mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Steel-gray to black in crystals, dull red in earthy forms; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to black in crystals, dull red in earthy forms
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments via precipitation in water, as well as in igneous and metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes. Significant deposits date back to the Banded Iron Formations of the Proterozoic eon.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy industry for steel production. It is also used in jewelry (beads and cabochons), as an abrasive (jeweler's rouge), and as a pigment in paints and cosmetics.

Geological facts

Hematite is known for its 'blood-red' streak when scratched on a porcelain plate, even if the specimen looks metallic black. It is also the mineral responsible for the reddish tint of the Martian surface.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels heavy for its size) and its distinct reddish-brown streak. Common locations include the Lake Superior region (USA), Brazil, Australia, and China.