mineral

Rainbow Hematite (Titanium-Coated Hematite)

Titanium-treated Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Iridescent rainbow colors (purple, blue, pink, gold) over metallic dark gray/black. Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Specific Gravity: 5.26.

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic to sub-metallic

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rainbow Hematite (Titanium-Coated Hematite) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural hematite forms as a primary mineral in iron-rich sedimentary deposits or hydrothermal veins. The vibrant rainbow iridescence is created artificially by vapor-depositing a thin layer of titanium or aluminum oxide onto the surface of polished natural hematite.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in costume jewelry, lapidary art, heart-shaped palm stones, fashion accessories, and metaphysical crystal collections.

Geological facts

While natural iridescent hematite (turgite) exists in nature, shaped and highly reflective rainbow pieces like this heart are modern human-treated specimens crafted via physical vapor deposition (PVD).

Field identification & locations

Recognized by its distinct heart-carved shape, heavy weight (high density typical of iron ores), strong metallic sheen, and bright, peacock-like iridescent sheen.

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