mineral
Hematite
Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from metallic gray to black, often showing a reddish-brown streak. It has a metallic to submetallic luster and a trigonal crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from metallic gray to black, often showing a reddish-brown streak. It has a metallic to submetallic luster and a trigonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary iron deposits, and volcanic settings over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as an ore of iron, in pigments, jewelry, and magnetic therapy items.
Geological facts
Hematite is the most important ore of iron worldwide and has even been discovered on Mars by spacecraft.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its distinct reddish-brown streak, metallic luster, and heavy weight relative to size. Found globally with major deposits in Australia, Brazil, and the USA.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous