Hematite
Image: James Petts from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameHematite
Chemical FormulaFe2O3
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorreddish-brown
Cleavagenone, parting common
Fractureuneven to subconchoidal
Specific Gravity5.26
Colorssteel-gray, black, reddish-brown, red, yellow-orange (due to alteration/coating)
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Brazil, Australia, Lake Superior region USA)
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesprimary iron ore, pigment, jewelry (rarely), abrasive
Associated Mineralsquartz, magnetite, goethite, limonite, jasper
Raritycommon
Description
A dark, heavy mineral specimen, appearing black to dark gray, with a prominent dull, earthy yellow-orange coating or alteration product covering a significant portion of its surface.
Geological Context
Hematite forms in various geological settings, including large sedimentary deposits (banded iron formations), hydrothermal veins, and as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is the most important ore of iron.
