mineral
Magnetite / Hematite (Iron Ore)
Magnetite (Fe3O4) or Hematite (Fe2O3)
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark iron-black to metallic grey. Luster: Metallic to submetallic. Cleavage: None (parting present). Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2 (very heavy and dense feel).
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Dark iron-black to metallic grey
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark iron-black to metallic grey. Luster: Metallic to submetallic. Cleavage: None (parting present). Specific Gravity: 5.1-5.2 (very heavy and dense feel).
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, often found as banded iron formations (BIFs) or skarn deposits created by contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of iron and steel production. Also used as a heavy media in mineral processing, as a catalyst, and for lapidary carving or decorative display specimens.
Geological facts
Magnetite is naturally magnetic and is one of the most magnetic minerals on Earth. Naturally magnetized pieces are called lodestones, which were used as early magnetic compasses.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its dark metallic black color, high density (feels heavy for its size), strong attraction to magnets (if magnetite), and dark streak (black for magnetite, reddish-brown for hematite).
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