mineral

Hematite

Hematite (Iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Metallic gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal System: Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Metallic gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak
Luster: Metallic to submetallic

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Metallic gray to black (tumbled), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal System: Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily as a sedimentary precipitate in banded iron formations, often over 2 billion years old, or as a sublimation product in volcanic areas and hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron for steel production; used as a pigment (ochre), in radiation shielding, jewelry (beads and cabochons), and as a polishing abrasive (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

The name is derived from the Greek word for 'blood' (haima) because hematite leaves a blood-red streak when scratched; it is also the mineral responsible for the reddish color of the planet Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (heavy for its size) and its characteristic reddish-brown streak on a porcelain plate; it is common in the Lake Superior region (USA), Brazil, and Australia.