Name:
Hematite		 Origin of name:
from Greek haima(t), meaning blood, because of the colour of the powdered mineral		 Chemical composition:
Fe2O3
Hematite, an oxide of iron, is a very common mineral and the main ore of iron. It occurs in hydrothermal veins and in sedimentary deposits, and is also found as a minor constituent of some igneous rocks.

Crystals of hematite are usually tabular or rhombohedral, but massive, granular, fibrous and reniform habits are more common; reniform hematite, as shown here, is also known as "kidney-ore".

Hematite has been mined since ancient times; iron production was widespread by 500 BC. The powdered mineral has long been used as a red pigment in paint and cosmetics; it is also used as a fine abrasive (jewellers' rouge).

 Crystal system:
trigonal/hexagonal
Class:
Oxides
Hardness:
5.0-6.0
Cleavage:
none
Colour:
grey, black or blood-red
Specific gravity:
5.26

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