HEMATITE
hematite - mineral 4.3.1.2

	Chemical Formula	Fe2O3
	Composition	Iron oxide. May contain slight amounts of titanium.
	Variable Formula	(Fe,Ti)2O3
	Color	Black, gray to silver gray, brown to reddish brown, red. Some specimens are iridescent.
	Streak	Red to reddish brown
	Hardness	5 - 6
	Crystal Forms and Aggregates	(Hexagonal) Crystals occurs in thin plates, as well as bundles of small micaceous plates, in thin splinters, and oolitic. It most commonly occurs massive, mammilary, botryoidal, reniform, stalactitic, and radiating. Scalenohedral and rhombohedral crystals occur, although infrequently
	Transparency	Opaque
	Specific Gravity	4.9 - 5.3
	Luster	Metallic to dull
	Cleavage	None, but occasionally exhibits rhombohedral and basal parting.
	Fracture	Uneven
	Tenacity	Brittle
	Other ID Marks	Hematite is paramagnetic.
	Other Names	Red Iron Ore
	Varieties	Bloodstone - Compact, amorphous Hematite. Iron Rose - Disorganized, flat, hexagonal plates of Hematite that form a formation resembling a rose. Kidney Ore - Globular (botryoidal, reniform and mammilary) Hematite. Martite - Hematite pseudomorph after Magnetite Paint Ore - Massive red, brown, or reddish brown Hematite. Specularite (or Specular Hematite) - Micaceous Hematite with small, intergrown, hexagonal plates that produce a glistening effect when a specimen is rotated. Rainbow Hematite - Iridescent Hematite displaying a play of colors. Titano-hematite - Titanium rich variety of Hematite.
	In Group	Oxides ; Simple Oxides
	All About	Hematite is one of the most common minerals. The color of most red rock, such as sandstone, is caused by small amounts of Hematite. It may also be responsible for the red color of Garnet, Spinel, and to some extent, Ruby. All non-crystalline forms of Hematite are supposedly transformations of the mineral Limonite that lost water, possibly due to heat.
	Uses	Hematite is the principle ore of iron. Huge quantities are mined yearly for industrial production. It is the source for roughly 90 percent of all iron mined in the United States. Hematite was largely used in the past as a red and brown pigment, although nowadays cheaper sources have been substituted. Well formed Hematite crystals are popular among mineral collectors. Highly polished, tumbled Hematite from Brazil makes a very popular, inexpensive specimen for collectors. Hematite also has gem uses. It is cut and polished into cabochons for jewelry and ornaments, fashioned into beads for bracelets and necklaces, and carved into ornamental figures.
	Striking Features	Reddish streak, hardness, crystal habits, and paramagnetism
	Complex Tests	Becomes strongly magnetic when heated
	Popularity (1-4)	1
	Prevalence (1-3)	1
	Demand (1-3)	1
	Distinguishing Similar Minerals	There are dozens of minerals that resemble Hematite in looks, but Hematite's red streak is a distinguishing property. Lepidocrocite, which has a red streak like Hematite, is softer (4½ - 5), and is translucent in thin splinters.
	Commonly Occurs With	Quartz, Calcite, Albite, Biotite, Barite, Pyrite, Magnesite, Magnetite
	Noteworthy Localities	Hematite has numerous localities, and therefore, only the finest will be mentioned. Extremely large and rather thick crystals have been found in Minas Gerais, Brazil, particularly at Antonio Pereira, Congonhas de Campo, and Jaguaracu. Iridescent Hematite (Rainbow Hematite) has also been found at those localities, as well as in Rio Marina, on the island of Elba, Italy. The common, tumbled Hematite specimens come mostly from Minas Gerais. Cumberland, England, is a big provider of the Specularite variety, and much of the globular and stalactitic specimens. In the U.S., an enormous deposit exists throughout the western area of Lake Superior, which includes the rich Keweenaw Peninsula. "Iron Roses" occur in the Thomas Range in Utah, as well as in numerous localities in Arizona, namely Aztec Peak, Gila Co.; Bouse, Yuma Co.; and in the Buckskin Mountains in La Paz Co. Good crystals also occur in St. Lawrence Co., New York, at Antwerp, Gouverneur, and numerous other areas.
	Picture Icon Links	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
	Picture Links	1."Iron Rose" 2. Specularite 3. Rainbow Hematite 4. Specularite 5. Polished Hematite 6. "Paint Ore"

Additional references

• The Mineral Gallery (Amethyst Galleries)
• Mineralogy Database (David Barthelmy)
• Alkali-Nuts (Marc Favre)