mineral
Hematite
Hematite (Fe2O3)
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Steel-gray, dark gray, black, or reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic or earthy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits uneven fracture. Specific Gravity: 5.26.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Steel-gray, dark gray, black, or reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic to sub-metallic or earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Steel-gray, dark gray, black, or reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic or earthy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits uneven fracture. Specific Gravity: 5.26.
Formation & geological history
Formed in various environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits (often as banded iron formations), and as a weathering product of iron-rich rocks over geological time.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron, used in steel production, pigment manufacturing, radiation shielding, and carved into beads, jewelry, and ornaments.
Geological facts
Hematite leaves a distinctive reddish-brown streak when scratched on an unglazed porcelain plate, even when the mineral itself is dark gray or metallic black.
Field identification & locations
Easily identifiable by its heavy weight, dark metallic appearance, and characteristic red streak. Found worldwide, particularly in regions with ancient sedimentary iron formations.
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