mineral

Hematite

Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Dark gray, silvery, or brownish-black to reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic, sometimes earthy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Streak: Cherry-red to reddish-brown. Specific Gravity: 5.26.

Hardness: 5
Color: Dark gray, silvery, or brownish-black to reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic, sometimes earthy

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, as a weathering product of iron-rich rocks, and through sedimentary deposition (such as banded iron formations) over geological time scales spanning millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron used in steel production, used in pigments, radiation shielding, and carved into jewelry or worry stones.

Geological facts

Hematite leaves a distinctive reddish-brown streak even when the mineral itself is dark gray or metallic black. Its name derives from the Greek word for blood, 'haima'.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its reddish-brown streak, heavy weight (high specific gravity), and metallic to sub-metallic dark gray appearance. Found worldwide, notably in the USA, Brazil, Australia, and UK.