Hematite
Oxide · Fe₂O₃
Hematite is iron oxide and the main ore of iron, identified by its diagnostic reddish-brown streak no matter what colour the specimen is.
What is hematite?
Hematite is iron(III) oxide, the world’s most important iron ore. It ranges from bright metallic silver-grey crystals and kidney-shaped “kidney ore” to dull red earthy masses that stain the hands. Whatever its outward colour, it always leaves a rusty reddish-brown streak, the single best test for it.
Properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂O₃
- Category
- Oxide
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5–6
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Lustre
- Metallic to earthy
- Streak
- Reddish-brown
- Colour
- Steel-grey, black, red
- Cleavage / fracture
- None
How to identify hematite
- →Reddish-brown streak, even on shiny silver-grey specimens (diagnostic).
- →Metallic “specular” crystals, botryoidal kidney ore, or dull red earthy masses.
- →Hardness 5–6; not magnetic (unlike magnetite).
- →Can feel heavy for its size.
Where hematite is found
Hematite is mined worldwide, with fine crystals from England (Cumbria), Brazil, Italy (Elba) and Switzerland.
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