mineral
Magnetite / Hematite rich ore
Magnetite (Fe3O4) or Hematite (Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Iron-black to dark brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric or Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor/None. High specific gravity.
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Iron-black to dark brown
- Luster
- Metallic to sub-metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Iron-black to dark brown. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric or Hexagonal. Cleavage: Poor/None. High specific gravity.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments through cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids; often found in banded iron formations.
Uses & applications
Primary source of iron for steel manufacturing; used as heavy media separation, pigments, and in jewelry (as magnetic hematite).
Geological facts
Magnetite is the most magnetic of all the naturally-occurring minerals on Earth; naturally magnetized pieces are called lodestones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by using a magnet (magnetite is strongly attracted) or a streak test (hematite leaves a reddish-brown streak while magnetite leaves black). Commonly found in iron mines and rocky shorelines.
