Hematite
Hematite · Mineral Specimen and Semi-Precious Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, commonly found as massive, botryoidal, or tabular crystal habits, and frequently tumbled into smooth pebbles.
Mineral Group
Oxides
Chemical Formula
Fe2O3
Formation Process
Forms through various geological processes including sedimentary deposition in marine environments, hydrothermal veins, and as an accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
About This Crystal
The specimen is a tumbled, smooth, and polished pebble of a dark metallic grey to black color. It displays a sub-metallic to metallic luster on its polished surfaces, completely opaque, with a smooth rounded shape typical of commercially tumbled healing stones.
Physical Characteristics
Opaque with a dark metallic grey to silver-black body color, distinct reddish-brown streak, uneven to conchoidal fracture, no true cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 5.26, and brittle tenacity.
Optical Properties
Singly refractive with uniaxial negative optical character, highly opaque showing no pleochroism or other optical phenomena due to its metallic nature.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally with major deposits in Brazil, Italy, Australia, and the United States, typically forming in sedimentary, hydrothermal, and igneous environments.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, moderate toughness, stable under normal environmental conditions, suitable for wear in jewelry with protective settings.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoid prolonged exposure to harsh acids, and store separately to prevent scratching softer gemstones.
Rarity & Value
Common mineral with widespread global distribution; tumbled stones like this are very affordable and widely accessible, with value depending mainly on size and quality of polish.
Special Characteristics
Known for its distinctive reddish-brown streak despite its metallic grey appearance, and its high density and weight relative to its size.
Lore & History
Historically used by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Native Americans for amulets, war paint, and talismans. In modern crystal healing, it is traditionally associated with grounding, protection, and the root chakra, though these are cultural beliefs rather than scientific claims.