mineral

Hematite (Iron Ore)

Hematite (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 Mohs scale. Color: Dark steel-gray, black, or reddish-brown. Luster: Metallic to earthy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 5.26. It leaves a characteristic rust-red streak when rubbed on a porcelain plate.

Hardness: 5
Color: Dark steel-gray, black, or reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic to earthy

Identified February 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed mainly in sedimentary environments via precipitation from water or as a replacement mineral in igneous rocks. Many large deposits formed over 2 billion years ago in Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) when Earth's oceans first became oxygenated.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron and steel production. Also used as a pigment (red ochre), in heavy medium separation, and as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry and carvings.

Geological facts

Hematite gets its name from the Greek word for 'blood' (haima) because it turns red when powdered. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface and has even been discovered in large quantities on Mars (the 'Blueberry' concretions).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels very heavy for its size) and the signature reddish-brown streak. It is often non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic unless it contains magnetite. Common in Brazil, Australia, China, and the Lake Superior region of the US.