mineral

Specular hematite (iron ore), possibly with goethite

Hematite, Fe₂O₃; the metallic gray material may include goethite, FeO(OH), and other iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark steel-gray to black, strongly metallic to submetallic luster, irregular massive/botryoidal texture, and reddish-brown internal streaks. Hardness about 5–6.5 Mohs; specific gravity roughly 4.9–5.3; no prominent cleavage. The shiny surface may be natural specular hematite or partly polished/coated.

Identified September 18, 2026More mineral →

Explore Specular hematite (iron ore), possibly with goethite 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: Specular hematite (iron ore), possibly with goethite
Scientific name: Hematite, Fe₂O₃; the metallic gray material may include goethite, FeO(OH), and other iron oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: September 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a common hand specimen; $30–$100+ if unusually lustrous, aesthetic, or locality-documented.

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 and hydrothermal alteration of iron-rich rocks, commonly in banded iron formations, veins, and weathering zones. Hematite deposits range from Precambrian to recent, with age impossible to determine from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used extensively as iron ore and pigment; attractive polished pieces are sold as hematite specimens and inexpensive jewelry. This small irregular specimen has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Hematite produces a distinctive red to reddish-brown streak even when its surface is black and metallic. Its high density and magnetism—usually weak, though associated magnetite can be strongly magnetic—help distinguish it from slag.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Brazil, Australia, South Africa, the Lake Superior region, and England. Test an inconspicuous area with an unglazed tile for red streak; check density and magnetism, since visual identification alone cannot exclude industrial slag.