mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black to steel-gray, silver-gray; Lustre: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.3

Hardness: 5
Color: Black to steel-gray, silver-gray

Identified June 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black to steel-gray, silver-gray; Lustre: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.3

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments as a result of iron precipitation in marine or lacustrine settings, as well as in hydrothermal veins and through the oxidation of magnetite. Many deposits are billions of years old (Precambrian Banded Iron Formations).

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy industry to produce steel. Also used for cabochons, jewelry, pigments (red ochre), and as a polishing agent (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

The name is derived from the Greek word for blood, 'haima,' because many specimens have a red streak or appear reddish when ground into powder. It has even been discovered on the planet Mars by the Opportunity rover.

Field identification & locations

A key identification method is the 'streak test'—a metallic hematite will leave a reddish-brown streak on an unglazed porcelain plate. It is noticeably heavier than other similar-looking black stones like obsidian or onyx.