mineral
Hematite (Polished Bead)
Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; metallic to sub-metallic luster; steel-gray to black with a diagnostic reddish-brown streak; trigonal crystal system; specific gravity 5.26.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Hematite (Polished Bead) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; metallic to sub-metallic luster; steel-gray to black with a diagnostic reddish-brown streak; trigonal crystal system; specific gravity 5.26.
Formation & geological history
Forms in sedimentary banded iron formations, hydrothermal veins, or as an oxidation product of other iron-bearing minerals across various geological eras.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron; widely carved and polished into jewelry beads, cabochons, and decorative ornamental items.
Geological facts
Leaves a distinctive rust-red streak when scratched on unglazed porcelain despite appearing dark metallic black.
Field identification & locations
Identified by heavy heft, metallic sheen, and red streak; commonly sourced from major deposits in Brazil, Australia, and the Lake Superior region.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous