Mineral guide
How to Identify Hematite
Fe₂O₃
Hematite is an iron oxide mineral with a diagnostic red-brown streak, metallic to earthy luster, and Mohs ~5–6. Identify it by streak and weak magnetism — magnetite has a black streak and stronger pull.
About Hematite
Hematite is an iron oxide mineral with a diagnostic red-brown streak, metallic to earthy luster, and Mohs ~5–6. Identify it by streak and weak magnetism — magnetite has a black streak and stronger pull.
Hematite is filed under minerals in the RockScan directory. Composition: Iron(III) oxide. It forms via sedimentary BIFs, hydrothermal, and metamorphic deposits. Typical occurrence: Worldwide; Brazil, Australia, USA, UK (specular). For the broader method, see how to identify rock types.
Hematite properties
| Mohs hardness | 5–6 |
|---|---|
| Class | mineral |
| Scientific name | Fe₂O₃ |
| Color | Steel-gray to black; red streak |
| Luster | Metallic to dull earthy |
| Crystal system / texture | Trigonal |
| Composition | Iron(III) oxide |
| Formation | Sedimentary BIFs, hydrothermal, and metamorphic deposits |
| Occurrence | Worldwide; Brazil, Australia, USA, UK (specular) |
How to identify Hematite
- Red-brown streak.
- Metallic or earthy red habits.
- Density high; weak magnetism compared with magnetite.
Lookalikes to rule out
- Magnetite: Magnetite is strongly magnetic; hematite is weakly or not magnetic and has a red-brown streak.
- Specularite vs metallic paint: Natural specular hematite shows crystalline glitter; coatings can look painted-on.
- Goethite: Goethite is often browner/earthy; hematite streak stays red-brown.
Photo tips for Hematite ID
- If possible, show red-brown streak on unglazed porcelain (field test photo).
- Metallic vs earthy varieties need different exposure.
- Kidney-ore botryoidal forms photograph well with soft light.
Snap one specimen in natural light, then open the result in the online studio or the rock identifier app.
Hematite FAQ
How do you identify hematite?
Check for a red-brown streak and high density. Metallic and earthy forms share that streak.
Hematite vs magnetite?
Magnetite is strongly magnetic with a black streak; hematite’s streak is red-brown.
Is hematite a crystal?
It is a mineral that can form crystals; collectors also see massive and botryoidal habits.
How to identify hematite
Metallic grey “iron stones” need a streak test. Separate hematite from magnetite with this checklist:
- Red-brown streak: scratch an unglazed ceramic streak plate — hematite leaves red-brown, not black.
- Magnetism: weak or none for most hematite; magnetite sticks hard to a magnet.
- Hardness: Mohs ~5–6; metallic specular hematite still shows the red-brown streak.
- Habit: metallic plates, botryoidal kidney ore, or earthy red masses.
- Photo first: photo of streak result + specimen, then RockScan vs magnetite.
Hematite vs magnetite vs goethite vs metallic paint
- Magnetite: black streak + strong magnetism; hematite streak is red-brown.
- Goethite: often browner/yellow-brown earthy iron oxide; streak and habit differ.
- Metallic paint / slag: coating or industrial slag without true mineral streak behavior.
Photo tips for hematite ID
Photograph the streak plate beside the specimen in shade. Compare magnetite, pyrite, and basalt (heavy dark lookalikes), then confirm in the online studio or rock identifier app.
Related minerals to compare
Browse all: rocks · minerals · crystals · directory · what rock is this · rock vs mineral vs crystal. Confirm with the online studio or rock identifier app.