Rock Identifier
Hematite (Iron oxide (Fe2O3)) — mineral
mineral

Hematite

Iron oxide (Fe2O3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 5.5-6.5. Metallic to submetallic luster, opaque. High specific gravity (dense). Tumbled forms show a smooth, silvery-black metallic surface.

Identified More mineral →
Explore Hematite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness of 5.5-6.5. Metallic to submetallic luster, opaque. High specific gravity (dense). Tumbled forms show a smooth, silvery-black metallic surface.

Formation & geological history

Forms in diverse environments including sedimentary banded iron formations, hydrothermal veins, and volcanic rocks. Significant deposits formed billions of years ago.

Uses & applications

Major ore of iron. Used in heavy media separation, pigments, radiation shielding, and as polished beads or tumbled stones in jewelry.

Geological facts

Leaves a distinctive red to reddish-brown streak on an unglazed porcelain plate, regardless of its external color. The name derives from the Greek word for blood.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high density and red streak. Commonly found globally. Tumbled specimens like this are readily available for collectors.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate) (Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite) — mineral

Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate)

Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite

mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining (Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides) — mineral

Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining

Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides

mineral
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments (Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate) — sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary
Septarian Pebble (Septarian nodule / Concretion) — sedimentary

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule) (FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)) — mineral

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral