# Hematite

Hematite is a shiny mineral that looks like metal! It can be red or silver and is often found in rocks.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Ironstone

![Hematite](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425986/objects/5404.jpg)

## Appearance

The Hematite has a striking appearance, often found as shiny, metallic steel-gray crystals or as a dull, earthy reddish-brown mass. Its distinctive red streak, even in metallic forms, sets it apart from similar-looking minerals.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Almost all the iron used in our world comes from hematite ore!
- Ancient humans ground hematite into red paint for cave art thousands of years ago.
- Even shiny metallic hematite leaves a reddish-brown mark, like a secret signature!
- Guess what? Hematite gives Mars its famous rusty red color!

## Special abilities

- **Bloody Streak Secret:** Hematite has a distinctive reddish-brown streak, even when the mineral itself is silvery-gray, making it look like it's bleeding!
- **Iron Heart:** Hematite is a major source of iron, which is essential for making steel and many magnetic materials.
- **Earth's Red Paint:** Hematite's red varieties have been crushed for millennia to create vibrant red pigments for paints and cosmetics.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** steel-gray, silvery-gray, reddish-brown, black, red
- **Hardness:** 5.5
- **Luster:** metallic to dull/earthy
- **Specific Gravity:** 5.26
- **Crystal System:** trigonal

## Traits

- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Metallic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic): Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
- [Metallic Luster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic-luster): Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
- [Gemstone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gemstone): A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
- [Magnetic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/magnetic): Magnetic geological traits refer to minerals or rocks that exhibit natural magnetism, attracting or repelling other magnetic substances.
- [Crystalline](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crystalline): Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)
- [Minerals & Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals-and-rocks)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Hematite?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Hematite be?

steel-gray, silvery-gray, reddish-brown, black, red

### How hard is Hematite?

5.5

### What kind of luster does Hematite have?

metallic to dull/earthy

### What is Hematite's specific gravity?

5.26

### What crystal system does Hematite belong to?

trigonal

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Hematite: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hematite)