mineral

Hematite

Iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Steel-gray to black (silver metallic when polished), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Specific gravity: 5.26.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic to submetallic

Identified July 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5; Color: Steel-gray to black (silver metallic when polished), reddish-brown streak; Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Specific gravity: 5.26.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a primary mineral and as an alteration product in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often found in banded iron formations through precipitation in ancient marine environments.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in jewelry as beads and carvings, as a pigment (ochre), and in radiation shielding and polishing compounds (jeweller's rouge).

Geological facts

The red color of the soil on Mars is caused by hematite. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'haima', meaning blood, because it leaves a red streak when scratched.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density and characteristic reddish-brown streak, even on dark specimens. Commonly found in large deposits in the Lake Superior district of North America, Brazil, and Australia.