mineral

Likely hematite-rich iron ore or magnetite-bearing stone

Hematite (Fe₂O₃), possibly mixed with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and silicate gangue

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, dark gray-to-black, irregular specimen with metallic to submetallic luster and granular texture. Hematite hardness is 5–6.5 Mohs; magnetite is 5.5–6.5, both commonly have no obvious cleavage and high specific gravity (about 5.0–5.3).

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Likely hematite-rich iron ore or magnetite-bearing stone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Likely hematite-rich iron ore or magnetite-bearing stone
Scientific name: Hematite (Fe₂O₃), possibly mixed with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and silicate gangue
Category: mineral
Identified: August 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a small common specimen; $10–$50+ if unusually metallic, crystalline, magnetic, or aesthetically shaped.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms through oxidation or hydrothermal alteration of iron-rich rocks, and in banded iron formations; major deposits range from Precambrian to much younger ages. The image alone cannot distinguish hematite from magnetite confidently.

Uses & applications

Iron ores are mined for steel production; attractive botryoidal or micaceous hematite specimens are collected and sometimes used in inexpensive jewelry.

Geological facts

Magnetite is strongly magnetic, whereas hematite typically produces a reddish-brown streak. A streak test and magnet test are more diagnostic than surface color.

Field identification & locations

Common in Brazil, Australia, South Africa, India, the United States, and Sweden. Identify with a magnet and unglazed porcelain streak: red-brown suggests hematite; black streak plus strong magnetism suggests magnetite.