mineral

Specular Hematite (Specularite)

Hematite (Alpha-Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic, glittery luster; leaves a cherry-red to reddish-brown streak. Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal). Specific Gravity: 5.26.

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic, glittery luster

Identified April 13, 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. Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic, glittery luster; leaves a cherry-red to reddish-brown streak. Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal). Specific Gravity: 5.26.

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal or metamorphic processes where iron-rich fluids precipitate or transform minerals. Often found in banded iron formations (BIFs) dating back 1.8 to 2.4 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; also used as an abrasive, pigment, and in costume jewelry or as decorative 'sparkling' display specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Specularite consists of thousands of tiny, mirror-like mica-looking flakes of hematite. Despite its brilliant metallic silver color, it will always leave a rust-red streak on a porcelain plate, identifying it as iron oxide.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct 'glitter' effect (schiller), high density/weight for its size, and the characteristic red streak. Commonly found in Michigan (USA), Brazil, and South Africa.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral