Hematite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameHematite
Chemical FormulaFe2O3
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorreddish-brown
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity5.26
Colorssilvery-gray, black, reddish-brown, iridescent
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBacino stope, Rio Mine (Rio Marina Mine), Rio Marina, Elba Island, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesiron ore, pigment, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features lustrous, dark silvery-gray to black tabular crystals of specular hematite, exhibiting a brilliant metallic luster and some iridescent reflections, intergrown with numerous clear to milky white prismatic quartz crystals.
Geological Context
Hematite forms in diverse geological settings, including sedimentary environments (banded iron formations), hydrothermal veins, and as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The Elba Island deposits are well-known for their excellent hydrothermal hematite specimens.
