Hematite
| Colour | Black, Gray, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5.5–6.5 |
| Lustre | Metallic to splendent |
| Streak | Bright red to dark red |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Cleavage | None, may show partings on {0001} and {101} |
| Fracture | Uneven to subconchoidal |
| Chemical formula | iron(III) oxide, Fe 2 O 3 , α-Fe 2 O 3 |
| Specific gravity | 5.26 |
What is Hematite?
Hematite, also spelled as haematite, is a common iron oxide compound with the formula Fe2O3 and is widely found in rocks and soils. Hematite crystals belong to the rhombohedral lattice system which is designated the alpha polymorph of Fe2O3. It has the same crystal structure as corundum (Al2O3) and ilmenite (FeTiO3). With this crystal structure geometry it forms a complete solid solution at temperatures above 950 °C (1,740 °F).
How to identify Hematite
- Lustre: Metallic to splendent.
- Hardness: Mohs 5.5–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: Bright red to dark red.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Hematite in different forms
Stones often confused with Hematite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Hematite?
Hematite is Mohs 5.5–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Hematite?
Hematite is typically black, gray, red (Metallic grey, dull to bright "rust-red" in earthy, compact, fine-grained material, steel-grey to black in crystals and ).