mineral

Hematite

Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark grey to black with metallic luster (often polished); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.26. Specimen shown is carved and polished into a mushroom shape.

Hardness: 5
Color: Dark grey to black with metallic luster (often polished)

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through precipitation in water, hydrothermal veins, or contact metamorphism. Major deposits date back to the Banded Iron Formations (BIF) of the Archean and Proterozoic eons, making many specimens billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; also used in polished jewelry, as a pigment (ochre), in radiation shielding, and as a popular 'healing' or decorative stone in the mineral hobby market.

Geological facts

The name comes from the Greek word 'haima' for blood, because when crushed to powder, the metallic black mineral turns a vibrant red. Hematite is also the reason for the reddish color of the surface of Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by a reddish-brown streak test (rubbing it on unglazed porcelain) and its surprising weight for its size. It is commonly found globally, with massive deposits in Brazil, Australia, China, and the Lake Superior region of the US.