Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
trigonalcommonOxides
Hematite
Fe2O3
This specimen displays a dark, steel-gray color with a distinct metallic luster, characteristic of well-formed hematite. It appears to have a botryoidal or reniform habit, possibly with some reddish-brown earthy patches (turgite) on its surface.
Hematite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6Crystal System
trigonalLuster
metallicStreak Color
reddish-brownCleavage
noneFracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
5.26Colors
steel-gray, black, reddish-brownTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Worldwide, notable deposits in Brazil, Australia, USA (Lake Superior region)Mineral Group
OxidesUses
iron ore, pigment, jewelry (polished forms), abrasiveAssociated Minerals
quartz, jasper, magnetite, goethiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Hematite forms in a variety of geological settings, including sedimentary environments (e.g., banded iron formations), hydrothermal veins, and as a product of weathering or metamorphism. It is the most important iron ore mineral.
