Hematite
| Colour | Black, Gray |
|---|---|
| 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 value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a raw / cluster Hematite typically sells for $21–$41 (about $0.03–$0.08 per gram for raw material). After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $22 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 263G Natural Specularite Hematite Symbiotic Crystal Quartz specimen/Guangdong | 263 g | $26 | 2026-06-21 |
| 499G Natural Specularite Hematite Quartz cluster crystal mineral specimen | 499 g | $26 | 2026-06-21 |
| 3.5LB Natural Crystal Specularite Hematite Specular Iron Quartz Mica Collectors | 1588 g | $41 | 2026-06-21 |
| 3.02LB Natural Specularite Hematite Quartz cluster crystal mineral specimen | 1370 g | $28 | 2026-06-21 |
| 11LB Natural mirror stone hematite quartz cluster crystal mineral specimen- | 4990 g | $41 | 2026-06-21 |
| 569G Natural Crystal Specularite Hematite Specular Iron Quartz Mica Collectors | 569 g | $25 | 2026-06-21 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
