mineral

Hematite

Iron oxide (Fe2O3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Steel-gray, black, reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to submetallic or dull. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Streak: Cherry-red to reddish-brown. Specific gravity: 5.26.

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel-gray, black, reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to submetallic or dull

Identified August 6, 2026More mineral →

Explore Hematite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in diverse environments, principally through sedimentary processes in banded iron formations, but also via hydrothermal veins, volcanic sublimation, and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron; used in heavy-media separation, radiation shielding, pigment production, and polished into beads, carvings, or tumbled stones for jewelry.

Geological facts

Hematite is the most important ore of iron worldwide. Despite its metallic silver-gray appearance, it always leaves a distinctive reddish-brown streak when scratched on unglazed porcelain.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its reddish-brown streak, metallic luster, and heavy weight relative to its size. Common worldwide, with major deposits in Australia, Brazil, China, and the United States.