mineral

Botryoidal hematite-goethite ironstone

Hematite (Fe₂O₃) with goethite (FeO(OH)), likely iron-rich weathering product

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark reddish-brown to black, earthy-to-submetallic luster with rusty red surfaces and rounded botryoidal texture; typically hardness 5–6.5 Mohs, streak red-brown, opaque, and no obvious cleavage. The pits and glossy faces may reflect natural weathering or water-worn surfaces.

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

Explore Botryoidal hematite-goethite ironstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms by oxidation and precipitation of iron-bearing minerals in hydrothermal veins, caves, soils, and weathered ironstone deposits; individual pieces may be geologically old, but an exact age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen and occasional pigment source; hematite is an important iron ore, while goethite-rich material is also mined for iron. It is not generally used as a gemstone unless polished.

Geological facts

A diagnostic test is its red-to-reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain, even when the surface appears black. Strong magnetism would suggest associated magnetite, but pure hematite is usually weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic.

Field identification & locations

Common in iron-rich soils, banded iron formations, oxidized ore zones, and stream gravels worldwide, especially Brazil, Australia, India, and the United States. Confirm with streak, hardness, density, and ideally X-ray diffraction; the image alone cannot exclude slag or another iron-rich rock.