Hematite
Hematite · Mineral Specimen / Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, commonly found in massive, botryoidal, reniform, or tabular crystal habits
Mineral Group
Oxides
Chemical Formula
Fe2O3
Formation Process
Hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposition, and igneous processes under varying temperature and pressure conditions
About This Crystal
An opaque, metallic-looking tumbled stone with a dark grey to silvery-black color, exhibiting a highly reflective, metallic to sub-metallic luster with smooth, polished contours
Physical Characteristics
Steel gray to black body color, distinctive reddish-brown streak, no cleavage, uneven to conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 5.26, brittle tenacity, often slightly magnetic after heating
Optical Properties
Opaque with a metallic luster, singly refractive (uniaxial negative)
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, Italy, UK, Canada, and the USA
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, brittle toughness, stable under normal conditions but sensitive to strong acids
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to moisture, and ultrasonic cleaners
Rarity & Value
Common mineral, very affordable and widely accessible for tumbled stones and jewelry
Special Characteristics
Characterized by its distinctive red streak which contrasts with its metallic exterior, sometimes shows weak magnetic properties if artificially treated or naturally containing magnetite inclusions
Lore & History
Used historically by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians for amulets and in burial rituals; in modern crystal healing, it is traditionally associated with grounding, protection, and balancing the root chakra