How to identify Titanium-coated Hematite

To correctly identify Titanium-coated Hematite (Hematite (Fe2O3) with a titanium surface coating), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Color

   Overall color and any zoning or banding

   Varies widely with iridescent rainbow colors (blues, purples, greens, yellows, reds) on the surface. The underlying hematite is typically steel-gray to black.

2. 2

   Luster

   How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull

   Strong metallic to sub-metallic, with a distinct iridescent sheen.

3. 3

   Texture

   Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy

   Smooth, often polished. The coating does not significantly alter the texture of the underlying hematite.

4. 4

   Crystal Form

   Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces

   The underlying hematite can exhibit various forms (botryoidal, reniform, tabular, massive), but the coating simply covers these forms.

5. 5

   Cleavage

   How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture

   None (for hematite). The coating does not introduce cleavage.

6. 6

   Geological Environment

   The rock formation and setting where it occurs

   Not found in a geological environment in this form. It is a manufactured product. Natural hematite forms in various environments, including sedimentary (banded iron formations), metamorphic, and hydrothermal deposits.

Key Facts

Hardness

5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale (for the underlying hematite). The coating is very thin and does not significantly alter the bulk hardness, but it can be scratched.

Specific Gravity

5.26 (for the underlying hematite). The thin coating has negligible effect on specific gravity.

Crystal System

Trigonal (for the underlying hematite).

Color

Iridescent rainbow colors (surface); steel-gray to black (underlying hematite).

Luster

Metallic to sub-metallic with strong iridescence.

Transparency

Opaque.

Fracture

Uneven to sub-conchoidal (for the underlying hematite).

Cleavage

None.

Composition

Fe2O3 (hematite) with a thin surface layer of titanium (Ti).

Physical characteristics

• Crystal Habit: Variable, depending on the underlying hematite (e.g., massive, botryoidal, tabular, micaceous).
• Cleavage Type: None.
• Fracture Type: Uneven to sub-conchoidal.
• Tenacity: Brittle.
• Luster Type: Metallic to sub-metallic, iridescent.

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