Where is Hematite (botryoidal) found?
Hematite (botryoidal habit)
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Open the appHematite (botryoidal) occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Hematite (botryoidal)
Cumbria, England
Famous for producing excellent botryoidal hematite specimens, often referred to as 'kidney ore', from iron ore mines.
Lake Superior Region, USA (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
Major source of iron ore, including hematite, from vast banded iron formations. While massive hematite is more common, botryoidal forms can be found in some localities.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Known for high-quality hematite, including some botryoidal and specular varieties.
Elba Island, Italy
Historically significant locality for well-formed hematite crystals and masses.
Morocco
Various localities produce botryoidal hematite, often associated with other iron minerals.
Collecting tips
- Look for Reddish-Brown Streak. Always perform a streak test. Even metallic-looking hematite will produce a characteristic reddish-brown streak on an unglazed porcelain plate. This is the most reliable diagnostic test.
- Examine for Botryoidal Form. Specifically for botryoidal hematite, look for rounded, bubbly, or grape-like masses in cavities or on rock surfaces. These forms are quite distinctive.
- Check for Density. Hematite is relatively dense (specific gravity 5.26), so specimens will feel heavier than similarly sized common rocks.
- Test for Magnetism (or lack thereof). Pure hematite is not magnetic, unlike magnetite. However, some hematite can be weakly magnetic due to inclusions of magnetite or martite (pseudomorphs of hematite after magnetite).
- Observe Associated Minerals. Botryoidal hematite often occurs with quartz, calcite, barite, or other iron oxides/hydroxides in veins or sedimentary concretions.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark gray to black (botryoidal surface), reddish-brown (when earthy)
- Luster:
- Submetallic to dull
- Streak:
- Reddish-brown
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