Mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5–6.5 Mohs scale. Color: Black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to earthy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 5.26. Streak: Reddish-brown.

Hardness: 5
Color: Black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to earthy

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes, sublimation from volcanic gases, or most commonly as a precipitate in water within Banded Iron Formations (BIFs). It can be found in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic environments.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel production. Used in industry as a polishing compound (jeweler's rouge), pigment in paints/ceramics, and as an ornamental gemstone in jewelry.

Geological facts

Hematite is notably responsible for the red color of 'The Red Planet' (Mars). It is also known as 'bloodstone' in ancient Greek (haimatitēs lithos) due to the blood-red color of the mineral when ground into powder.

Field identification & locations

Key identification feature is the reddish-brown streak it leaves when rubbed on a porcelain streak plate (as seen in the image). It is often found in heavy deposits in the Lake Superior region of North America, Brazil, and Australia.