mineral

Hematite

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 5.5–6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Metallic gray to black (sometimes red); Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal system: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Hardness: 5
Color: Metallic gray to black (sometimes red)
Luster: Metallic to submetallic

Identified April 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5–6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Metallic gray to black (sometimes red); Luster: Metallic to submetallic; Crystal system: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 5.26

Formation & geological history

Formed in an oxidized environment as a secondary mineral or through hydrothermal processes. It is often found in banded iron formations which are billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of iron for steel production. Widely used as a pigment (ochre), in jewelry as beads or carved stones, and as polishing powder (jeweler's rouge).

Geological facts

Despite looking metallic gray, it leaves a distinct blood-red streak when rubbed on a porcelain plate; its name is derived from the Greek word for blood, 'haima'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density and red streak test. Naturally occurring hematite is weakly magnetic, though most commercial beads like those pictured are synthetic 'Hemalyke' which is highly magnetic.