mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish brown; Luster: Metallic to submetallic or dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 5.26

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

Identified June 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments through precipitation from water, or in igneous and metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes and contact metamorphism. Often found in banded iron formations dating back over 2 billion years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel production. Used as a pigment (ochre), in jewelry as beads or intaglios, and as a polishing compound (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

The name is derived from the Greek word for blood, 'haima,' because many specimens produce a blood-red streak when crushed or scratched. It is responsible for the red color of Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic reddish-brown streak, even on metallic-looking specimens. Look for high density and potentially botryoidal (grape-like) or micaceous textures. Common in places like Lake Superior (USA), Brazil, and Australia.