mineral
Hematite
Hematite (Fe2O3)
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Steel gray, reddish-brown, or black. Luster: Metallic to submetallic or dull. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits parting. Specific Gravity: 5.26.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Steel gray, reddish-brown, or black
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic or dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Steel gray, reddish-brown, or black. Luster: Metallic to submetallic or dull. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits parting. Specific Gravity: 5.26.
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits, and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks, often precipitating from iron-rich waters.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron, used in pigments, radiation shielding, heavy media separation, and sometimes polished into jewelry or ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Hematite leaves a distinct reddish-brown streak when scratched across an unglazed porcelain plate, even when the mineral itself is metallic silver or black.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic reddish-brown streak and high density relative to its size. Commonly found worldwide, notably in the Lake Superior region, Brazil, Australia, and parts of the UK.
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