Properties of Hematite

Hematite is a common iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Fe2O3). It is one of the most widespread and economically important iron minerals. Hematite can vary in color, including silver to black, metallic gray, and even red or brown when it occurs in its oxidized forms.

Image of hematite mineral
Credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com - CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of hematite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Hematite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical Formulaα-Fe2O3
Molar Mass159.69 g/mol
Crystal SystemTrigonal (rhombohedral)
Mohs Hardness5.5 - 6.5
Density5256 kg/m3
ColorReddish gray, black, or blackish red
DiaphaneityTranslucent to opaque
LusterMetallic, greasy
CleavageNone
FractureSubconchoidal
StreakReddish brown

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.