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Hematite is the mineral form of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), one of several iron oxides. It is the most important iron ore, with iron content typically around 70%. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'haima,' meaning blood, referring to its characteristic red streak. Hematite exhibits a wide variety of appearances, from metallic gray to dull red, and can be massive, botryoidal, reniform (kidney ore), micaceous (specularite), or oolitic. Despite its varied external colors, its streak is consistently reddish-brown, a key diagnostic property.
How to Identify
- Color
- Variable: steel-gray, silver-gray, black, reddish-brown, or red. Often has a metallic sheen when fresh, or dull earthy red when weathered.
- Luster
- Metallic to submetallic in crystalline forms (specular hematite); dull to earthy in massive or oolitic forms (red hematite).
- Texture
- Can be massive, granular, botryoidal (kidney ore), reniform, micaceous (specularite), columnar, or oolitic.
- Crystal Form
- Typically rhombohedral, tabular, or platy crystals. Often found as massive, botryoidal, or micaceous aggregates.
- Cleavage
- No true cleavage; exhibits parting on {1011} and {0001}.
- Geological Environment
- Found in banded iron formations (BIFs), hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits, sedimentary beds, and as a weathering product in soils and laterites.
Key Facts
- Hardness: 5.5-6.5 on Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity: 5.26 g/cm³ (pure hematite)
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Color: Steel-gray, black, reddish-brown, red
- Luster: Metallic, submetallic, dull, earthy
- Transparency: Opaque
- Fracture: Uneven to subconchoidal
- Cleavage: None (exhibits parting)
- Composition: Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)
Quick Check
- Color: Steel-gray, black, reddish-brown, or red
- Luster: Metallic to dull/earthy
- Streak: Reddish-brown
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal Habit: Rhombohedral, tabular, platy, massive, granular, botryoidal, reniform, micaceous, oolitic, columnar
- Cleavage Type: None, but exhibits parting on {1011} and {0001}
- Fracture Type: Uneven to subconchoidal
- Tenacity: Brittle
- Luster Type: Metallic, submetallic, dull, earthy
Formation
Hematite forms under a wide range of geological conditions. It is a primary mineral in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, and a common accessory mineral in sedimentary rocks. Significant deposits form through chemical precipitation in marine environments (BIFs), hydrothermal alteration, contact metamorphism, and as a weathering product of iron-rich minerals.
Usage
The primary use of hematite is as the most important ore of iron (Fe). It is also used as a pigment (ochre), in jewelry, as a polishing agent (rouge), and in heavy media separation processes. Finely ground hematite is used in drilling muds.
Age Distribution
Found in rocks ranging from Archean to Cenozoic, with significant deposits in Precambrian banded iron formations (BIFs).
Where to Find
Lake Superior Region, USA and Canada
World-class banded iron formations (BIFs) containing vast deposits of hematite, particularly in Minnesota (Mesabi Range), Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Extensive high-grade hematite deposits, often associated with itabirite formations.
Hamersley Basin, Western Australia
One of the largest iron ore provinces globally, dominated by hematite-rich BIFs.
Krivoy Rog, Ukraine
Significant iron ore district with large hematite reserves.
Elba Island, Italy
Historically famous for its specular hematite crystals.
Cumbria, England
Known for its distinctive 'kidney ore' variety of hematite.
Finding Tips
Check for Red Streak
Always perform a streak test. Hematite's diagnostic reddish-brown streak is consistent regardless of its external color and is the most reliable identification method.
Look for Metallic Luster
Specular hematite (specularite) has a distinct metallic, silvery-gray luster and often occurs as flaky or platy crystals. This can be mistaken for galena, but the streak will differentiate them.
Observe Botryoidal Forms
Kidney ore, a botryoidal (grape-like) variety of hematite, is often found in cavities and veins and has a characteristic rounded, mammillary surface.
Test for Magnetism (or lack thereof)
Unlike magnetite, hematite is generally not magnetic. Some varieties may exhibit very weak magnetism due to minor magnetite inclusions, but it will not be strongly attracted to a magnet.
Consider Geological Context
Hematite is common in sedimentary environments (BIFs, red beds), hydrothermal veins, and as an alteration product. Knowing the local geology can aid in identification.
Similar Rocks
Magnetite
Magnetite (Fe3O4)
Also known as: Lodestone
Goethite
Goethite (FeO(OH))
Also known as: Bog Iron Ore
Limonite
Limonite (a mixture of hydrated iron oxides, primarily goethite)
Also known as: Bog Iron, Brown Iron Ore
Ilmenite
Ilmenite (FeTiO3)
Also known as: Menaccanite
Scientific Classification
- Mineral Class
- Oxides
- Group
- Hematite Group
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
- Chemical Formula
- Fe2O3
- Composition
- Iron(III) oxide (70% Fe, 30% O)
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