mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5–6.5 (Mohs); Color: Steel-gray to black (metallic) or reddish-brown (earthy); Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to black (metallic) or reddish-brown (earthy)
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through precipitation in aqueous environments, often in banded iron formations (BIFs) dating back over 2.4 billion years, or as a sublimation product in volcanic areas.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in jewelry as beads/pendants, in pigments (red ochre), for radiation shielding, and as a polishing compound (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

Hematite has a distinctive 'rust-red' streak when rubbed against a porcelain plate; it is found abundantly on Mars, giving the planet its characteristic red color.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density and red streak. Commonly found in Brazil, Australia, and the Lake Superior region of the USA. Authentic specimens are non-magnetic or weakly magnetic; if it is strongly magnetic, it is likely 'Hemalyke' (a synthetic man-made material).