Hematite

Real mineral · common · Fe₂O₃

Iron oxide responsible for the red colouration of soils and sedimentary rocks worldwide. The primary ore of iron. Its red streak is diagnostic even in dark metallic specimens that show no surface redness.

Identity

Formula

Fe₂O₃

Chemical class

oxide

Also known as

Bloodstone (earthy red variety), Iron oxide

Crystallography

Crystal system

trigonal

Habits

tabular, massive, botryoidal, earthy

Fracture

subconchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

6

Density

5.26 g/cm³

Luster

metallic, earthy

Colors

silver gray, iron-black, red, reddish brown

Streak

red to reddish brown

Transparency

opaque

Geology

Origins

sedimentary, hydrothermal, metamorphic

Host rocks

banded iron formations, limestone, granite

Associated minerals

Magnetite, Quartz, Pyrite, Calcite

Geography

Brazil, Australia, Canada, China, USA

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

No

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