mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Steel-gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak
Luster: Metallic

Identified March 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Steel-gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks, or through precipitation from water in sedimentary environments. Most large deposits are in Banded Iron Formations (BIF) dating back over 2 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel; used as a polishing agent (jeweler's rouge), pigment for paints, and in jewelry/bead making. It is also a popular stone for grounding in metaphysical collections.

Geological facts

Hematite is the most important ore of iron. It is responsible for the 'Red Planet' color of Mars and has a distinctive blood-red streak when rubbed against an unglazed porcelain plate, which earned its name from the Greek word 'haimatitis' meaning blood-like.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels heavy for its size) and by doing a streak test on porcelain to look for a reddish-brown mark. Commonly found in Brazil, China, Australia, and the Lake Superior region of the USA. Magnetic hematite sold in gift shops is usually synthetic 'Hemalyke'.