mineral

Iron Ore / Hematite Rock

Iron oxide (primarily Hematite, Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Dark gray, silvery, reddish-brown, to rust-red. Luster: Metallic to dull earthy. Streak: Distinctive reddish-brown. Specific gravity: High (around 5.26 for pure hematite), making it noticeably heavy for its size.

Hardness: 5
Color: Dark gray, silvery, reddish-brown, to rust-red
Luster: Metallic to dull earthy

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through various geological processes including hydrothermal veins, magmatic segregation, and predominantly as banded iron formations (BIFs) in sedimentary environments over billions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary ore for iron and steel production, used in pigments, radiation shielding, and occasionally polished for jewelry or ornamental carvings.

Geological facts

Hematite is the most important ore of iron. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'haima', meaning blood, due to its characteristic red streak and rust-like coloration.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its significant weight (heavier than standard rocks of the same size), reddish-brown streak when scratched on unglazed porcelain, and often rusty surface oxidation.

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