mineral
Hematite
Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale, steel-gray to black color with metallic luster, trigonal crystal system, lacks true cleavage and exhibits uneven fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale, steel-gray to black color with metallic luster, trigonal crystal system, lacks true cleavage and exhibits uneven fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through diverse geological processes including hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposition in aquatic environments, often dating back to the Precambrian era.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron for steel production, used in pigments, radiation shielding, and carved into ornamental jewelry and beads.
Geological facts
Hematite is the most important ore of iron worldwide and is responsible for the red coloration of soils and rocks on the planet Mars.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic reddish-brown streak when scratched on unglazed porcelain. Found globally in large deposits.
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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