mineral
Hematite
Iron(III) oxide (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 or reddish-brown color, and a characteristic 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 or reddish-brown color, and a characteristic reddish-brown streak.
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary iron deposits, and volcanic settings, often precipitating from aqueous solutions.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron for steel production, used in pigments, radiation shielding, and occasionally polished into jewelry or ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Hematite is the most important ore of iron on Earth and has even been detected on the planet Mars by spacecraft instrumentation.
Field identification & locations
Readily identified in the field by its distinct reddish-brown streak when scratched on an unglazed porcelain plate and heavy relative weight.
