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
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity5.26
Colorsdark gray, black, reddish-brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, notable deposits in Brazil, Australia, Canada, USA
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesiron ore, pigment, polishing agent, jewelry
Associated Mineralsquartz, magnetite, goethite, jasper
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a dark gray to black, massive piece of hematite, displaying a submetallic to dull luster on its uneven fracture surfaces.
Geological Context
Hematite is a common iron oxide mineral found in various geological settings, including sedimentary banded iron formations, hydrothermal veins, and contact metamorphic deposits, serving as the most important iron ore.
