mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5–6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Steel-gray, black, or reddish-brown; Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (subconchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray, black, or reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic environments. Vast deposits are found in Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) dating back over 2 billion years, resulting from the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel; used as a polishing agent (jeweler's rouge), pigment for paints, and in beads/jewelry such as the bracelet pictured.

Geological facts

Hematite is known for its blood-red streak when scratched against porcelain, despite its metallic exterior; its name comes from the Greek word 'haima' meaning blood. It has also been identified on the planet Mars by NASA's Opportunity rover.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density/weight and distinctive reddish-brown streak. Common locations include the Lake Superior region (USA), Brazil, Australia, and China. Natural hematite is weakly magnetic; if these beads are strongly magnetic, they are likely 'Hemalyke' (a synthetic man-made ceramic).