mineral
Likely hematite (iron ore)
Hematite, α‑Fe₂O₃
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark steel-gray to black, metallic to submetallic luster; commonly massive and irregular. Mohs hardness 5–6.5, trigonal crystal structure, no prominent cleavage; streak is reddish brown. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm identification.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Likely hematite (iron ore) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Dark steel-gray to black, metallic to submetallic luster; commonly massive and irregular. Mohs hardness 5–6.5, trigonal crystal structure, no prominent cleavage; streak is reddish brown. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm identification.
Formation & geological history
Forms through oxidation of iron-rich minerals and in sedimentary iron formations, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. Hematite occurs in rocks spanning much of Earth’s geological history.
Uses & applications
A major iron ore used to produce steel; finely powdered hematite is also used as pigment and as a collector mineral.
Geological facts
Despite its dark appearance, hematite typically leaves a distinctive red-brown streak on unglazed porcelain.
Field identification & locations
Check for a red-brown streak and relatively high density; these help distinguish hematite from similar dark minerals. Common deposits include Brazil, Australia, India, and the Lake Superior region.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous