mineral

Tumbled Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic luster. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Streak: Reddish-brown. High specific gravity (heavy for its size).

Hardness: 5
Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic luster
Streak: Reddish-brown

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6.5 Mohs. Color: Steel gray to black with a metallic luster. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Streak: Reddish-brown. High specific gravity (heavy for its size).

Formation & geological history

Formed in aqueous environments through precipitation or as an alteration product in oxygen-rich environments. Common in Precambrian banded iron formations.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron. Used in jewelry as polished stones, in pigments (red ochre), and as a polishing compound (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

The name is derived from the Greek word 'haima' for blood, due to the red color of its streak and powdered form. It is also found in abundance on the planet Mars, giving the planet its red color.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high density and distinctive red streak when rubbed on unglazed porcelain. Commonly found in Brazil, Australia, and the Lake Superior region of North America.