mineral
Hematite
Hematite (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, metallic to dull luster, steel-gray to black color, and a distinctive reddish-brown streak.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, metallic to dull luster, steel-gray to black color, and a distinctive reddish-brown streak.
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse geological environments, particularly aqueous hydrothermal systems and sedimentary iron formations, often over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron, widely used in jewelry, as a polishing powder (jeweler's rouge), and in decorative carvings.
Geological facts
Hematite is the most important ore of iron globally and has even been discovered on Mars by spacecraft.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its heavy weight and characteristic reddish-brown streak when scratched on an unglazed porcelain plate.
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Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
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