mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Steel-gray to black (polished); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 5.26; Streak: Reddish-brown

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray to black (polished)
Luster: Metallic

Identified July 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs; Color: Steel-gray to black (polished); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 5.26; Streak: Reddish-brown

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, as a sublimation product from volcanic activities, or as a sedimentary precipitate in banded iron formations. Can be billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in jewelry as beads or carvings; used as a polishing agent (jeweler's rouge) and as a pigment.

Geological facts

Hematite is much heavier than it looks. It is famously found in abundance on Mars, giving the planet its reddish color. When scratched against unglazed porcelain, even a silver specimen leaves a red streak.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density and characteristic reddish-brown streak. Often found in iron-rich sedimentary environments or locations of ancient water. Common locations include Brazil, China, and the Lake Superior region.