Ilmenite and Hematite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Islam90" title="User:Islam90">Islam90</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameIlmenite and Hematite
Chemical FormulaFeTiO3 (Ilmenite), Fe2O3 (Hematite)
Mohs Hardness5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorblack to reddish-brown
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity4.7
Colorsiron-black, steel-gray, reddish-brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread globally in various igneous and metamorphic rock formations, including Canada, Norway, USA, and Brazil.
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesmain ore of titanium (Ilmenite), main ore of iron (Hematite), pigments, abrasives, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsmagnetite, rutile, apatite, feldspar, quartz, pyroxenes, amphiboles
Raritycommon
Description
This microscopic image displays a polished section revealing a fine-grained intergrowth of two distinct mineral phases, likely ilmenite and hematite, characterized by contrasting shades of grey and numerous fine cracks.
Geological Context
Ilmenite and hematite commonly form through magmatic crystallization in mafic igneous rocks or via exsolution processes during cooling, leading to intricate intergrowths often found in anorthosites, gabbros, and metamorphic terrains.
