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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Hematite

Hematite is an iron oxide mineral identified in gem use by metallic lustre and red-brown streak.

5.5 Mohs Steel Grey, Black Oxide (Hematite)
Hematite

Overview

Hematite is an iron oxide mineral identified in gem use by metallic lustre and red-brown streak.

Did you know? Hematite has been used since prehistory as a pigment source (red ochre).

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Hematite

Scientific classification: Oxide (Hematite)

Hardness: 5.5 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: metallic

Crystal system: Trigonal

Primary colour: Steel Grey

Secondary colour: Black

Colour family: Greys

A red-brown streak is the key diagnostic property separating hematite from many metallic look-alikes.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 5.5 Mohs

Chemical composition: Iron oxide (Fe2O3)

Crystal system: Trigonal

Common locations: Brazil, Australia, China, South Africa, India

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Metallic steel-grey to black appearance with characteristic red-brown streak.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Hematite

Mineral group: Oxide group

Chemical formula: Iron oxide (Fe2O3)

Mohs hardness: 5.5

Crystal system: Trigonal

Lustre: metallic

Transparency: opaque

Streak: Red to reddish brown

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Uneven to sub-conchoidal

Specific gravity: 5.20-5.30

Refractive index: Opaque; spot reading commonly around 2.9

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Steel grey, black, reddish brown

Common inclusions: Magnetite, goethite, quartz intergrowths

Geological environment: Banded iron formations, hydrothermal veins, lateritic environments

Principal mining regions: Brazil, Australia, China, South Africa, India

Important commercial sources: Commercial hematite is abundant globally, with major production in Brazil and Australia

Historical significance: Used as pigment and ornament in many ancient cultures.

Common treatments: Polishing and surface coatings may be used for jewelry products.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Magnetic hematine (manufactured iron oxide composite) is widely sold as imitation hematite.

Common look-alikes: Magnetite, metallic glass, manufactured hematine

Jewellery uses: Used in beads, carvings, cabochons, and ornamental inlay.

Care recommendations: Avoid prolonged moisture and abrasive wear that can dull polished surfaces.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Hematite.

Formation

Forms in sedimentary, hydrothermal, and metamorphic iron-rich environments.

Origin

Commercial hematite is abundant globally, with major production in Brazil and Australia

Uses

Best for: Used in beads, carvings, cabochons, and ornamental inlay.

Ideal uses: Beads and low-profile pieces emphasizing metallic appearance.

Hematite FAQ

How can I identify Hematite?

Compare hardness (5.5 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (metallic) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Hematite appear in?

Metallic steel-grey to black appearance with characteristic red-brown streak.

Where is Hematite commonly used?

Beads and low-profile pieces emphasizing metallic appearance.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.