mineral
Hematite
Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 5.5-6.5, steel-gray to black color, metallic to dull luster, rhombohedral crystal system, no true cleavage, and a high specific gravity around 5.3.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Hematite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5, steel-gray to black color, metallic to dull luster, rhombohedral crystal system, no true cleavage, and a high specific gravity around 5.3.
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary iron deposits, and volcanic settings through precipitation from aqueous solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a major ore of iron, in pigments, radiation shielding, and carved into ornamental items and jewelry like this turtle figurine.
Geological facts
Hematite leaves a distinctive reddish-brown streak when scratched on unglazed porcelain, a key diagnostic feature despite its metallic gray exterior.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its heavy weight, metallic sheen, and characteristic red streak; globally abundant with major deposits in Australia, Brazil, and the USA.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Feldspar
Feldspar Group (Tectosilicate, e.g., KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous