mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Steel-gray to black (metallic) or red (ocherous); Luster: Metallic to splendent; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to black (metallic) or red (ocherous)
Luster: Metallic to splendent

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Steel-gray to black (metallic) or red (ocherous); Luster: Metallic to splendent; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments via precipitation from water, hydrothermal veins, or as an alteration product of other iron-bearing minerals. Common in Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) dating back over 2 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation, pigments (ocher), polishing compounds (jeweler's rouge), and semi-prestige jewelry or beads.

Geological facts

The name comes from the Greek word for 'blood' because hematite produces a red streak when crushed or scratched. It is responsible for the red color of many rocks and the planet Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic reddish-brown streak on a porcelain plate and its high density (feels heavy for its size). Found globally with major deposits in Brazil, Australia, China, and the Lake Superior region of the US.