mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs scale, metallic to dull luster, steel-gray to black color, and distinctive reddish-brown streak.

Identified October 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs scale, metallic to dull luster, steel-gray to black color, and distinctive reddish-brown streak.

Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary iron formations, and volcanic deposits.

Primary ore of iron, used in jewelry, as a pigment, and in heavy media separation.

Hematite is the most important ore of iron worldwide and has been used by humans for cave paintings dating back tens of thousands of years.

Easily identified by its characteristic reddish-brown streak, metallic luster, and heavy weight relative to its size.

Gneiss or Schist

Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet

Limonite

FeO(OH)•nH2O

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

Feldspar

Feldspar Group (Tectosilicate, e.g., KAlSi3O8)

Tumbled granite

Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock

Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz

Igneous Pegmatite