mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Steel gray to black, reddish-brown in earthy varieties; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel gray to black, reddish-brown in earthy varieties
Luster: Metallic to submetallic

Identified April 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Steel gray to black, reddish-brown in earthy varieties; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 5.26

Formation & geological history

Formed as a primary mineral and as an alteration product in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Common in Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) dating back over 2.4 billion years due to the Great Oxygenation Event.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy media separation, pigments, radiation shielding, jewelry (tumbled stones and beads), and as a polishing abrasive (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

Hematite is responsible for the red color of the soil on Mars. The name is derived from the Greek word 'haima' for blood, due to the blood-red color of the mineral when ground into a powder.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field using a streak test: even metallic black hematite will leave a characteristic rust-red to reddish-brown streak on a ceramic plate. It is notably heavy (dense) for its size and usually feels cool to the touch. Found globally, with massive deposits in Brazil, Australia, China, and the Lake Superior region of North America.