Hematite
Hematite (Alpha-Fe2O3) · Mineral Specimen / Industrial Mineral / Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal; Hexagonal crystal family. Habits include massive, micaceous (specularite), botryoidal (kidney ore), and tabular crystals.
Mineral Group
Oxides; Hematite group
Chemical Formula
Fe2O3
Formation Process
Primarily Sedimentary (precipitation from water), but also forms through Igneous (volcanic sublimation) and Metamorphic processes.
About This Crystal
Opaque mineral with a metallic to sub-metallic luster. This specimen shows a steel-gray to blackish body color with some yellowish-brown surface oxidation (limonite staining). It has a platy, foliated, or massive texture typical of specular varieties.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Steel-gray to black; Streak: Characteristic reddish-brown to cherry-red; Cleavage: None (may show parting); Fracture: Uneven to sub-conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 5.26; Magnetism: Weakly magnetic after heating; Fluorescence: None.
Optical Properties
Opaque; Refractive Index: 2.94-3.22 (extremely high but generally too opaque for standard gemology); Birefringence: 0.280; Luster is metallic to earthy.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Major deposits in Brazil (Minas Gerais), Australia (Pilbara), USA (Lake Superior), and China. Found in banded iron formations.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 5.5 to 6.5. Toughness is brittle. It is stable but can be scratched by quartz or steel files.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the specimen is porous. Store separately to prevent scratching other stones. Avoid acidic chemicals.
Rarity & Value
Common; primary ore of iron. Value is generally low for massive specimens, though 'Specularite' or 'Rainbow Hematite' can command higher prices in the collector market.
Special Characteristics
Known for its high density and distinctive red streak. Specularite varieties show a 'glitter' effect due to tiny micaceous flakes reflecting light.
Lore & History
Historically used as red pigment (ochre) in cave paintings. Ancient Egyptians used it for amulets. In metaphysical traditions, it is considered a 'grounding' stone associated with the Root Chakra and protection.