mineral

Magnetite or Hematite-rich Ore

Magnetite (Fe3O4) or Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2

Hardness: 5
Color: Black to dark gray
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Black to dark gray; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2

Formation & geological history

Commonly forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks via magmatic segregation or contact metamorphism. Often found in banded iron formations dating back billions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation, steel production, and as pigments. Sometimes used in jewelry as 'magnetic hematite' (though usually synthetic).

Geological facts

Magnetite is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth. Ancient mariners used 'lodestones' (naturally magnetized magnetite) as the first primitive compasses.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its heavy weight (high density), dark streak (black for magnetite, reddish-brown for hematite), and its reaction to a magnet. Look for it in iron-rich geological regions.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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