mineral

Specular hematite (likely with magnetite/goethite)

Hematite, Fe₂O₃; associated iron oxides may include magnetite, Fe₃O₄, and goethite, FeO(OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark steel-gray to black, metallic-to-submetallic luster, uneven/botryoidal or platy texture, and no obvious cleavage; hematite hardness is 5–6.5 Mohs and specific gravity about 5.0–5.3. The image is consistent with an iron-oxide specimen, though exact identification requires a streak or magnetic test.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Specular hematite (likely with magnetite/goethite)
Scientific name: Hematite, Fe₂O₃; associated iron oxides may include magnetite, Fe₃O₄, and goethite, FeO(OH)
Category: mineral
Identified: August 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common hand specimen; $30–$150+ for large, sharply crystallized or highly lustrous collector pieces.

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 of iron-bearing rocks, hydrothermal processes, or sedimentary iron formation; deposits range from Precambrian banded iron formations to young weathering zones. Commonly occurs with quartz, magnetite, and limonite/goethite.

Uses & applications

Used as iron ore, pigment, and a minor lapidary or mineral-collection material; metallic specimens are valued mainly for display.

Geological facts

Hematite produces a distinctive red to reddish-brown streak even when the specimen appears black. Magnetite-bearing pieces may be strongly magnetic, while pure hematite is generally weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Lake Superior region. Test an inconspicuous surface with unglazed porcelain for a red streak and use a magnet to detect magnetite; avoid relying on appearance alone.