Hematite

Big Photo

Round brilliant hematite
12.08 carats
© Rarestone.com

The name hematite (Greek - blood) is derived from the fact that, when cut, the saw coolant becomes coloured red. Hematite can be in reddish brown, ocherous masses, dark silvery-grey scaled masses, silvery-grey crystals, and dark-grey masses.

Formerly used as mourning jewelry, but today mainly for rings, bead necklaces and intaglio (deepened engravings). It takes a very high polish.

Hematite Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 

Hematite Gemstones by Size

This table shows distribution of Hematite gemstone sizes that are listed on this site. This can give a good indication as to the general availability of this gemstone in different sizes.
Contributed photos
Lightest:12.08 cts
Heaviest:57.22 cts
Average:39.71 cts
Total photos:10
Do you have a larger Hematite? Why not upload a photo?
12.08ct to 16.59ct16.59ct to 21.11ct21.11ct to 25.62ct25.62ct to 30.14ct30.14ct to 34.65ct34.65ct to 39.16ct39.16ct to 43.68ct43.68ct to 48.19ct48.19ct to 52.71ct52.71ct to 57.22ct
General Information
Other Names/Trade Names:
Chemical Formula
Fe
 
2
O
 
3
Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Hematite Simulants
Hematine is a trade name for an imitation of hematite with pressed and sintered iron oxide, from the USA. In contrast to hematite, it is slightly magnetic. - Gemstones of the world, Walter Schumann, 2001, p 162
Physical Properties of Hematite
Mohs Hardness6
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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Specific Gravity5.00 to 5.30
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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TenacityBrittle,Elastic
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) Brittle, elastic in thin laminae.
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
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FractureUneven,Conchoidal
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
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Optical Properties of Hematite
Refractive Index2.690 to 3.220
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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Optical CharacterUniaxial/-
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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Birefringence0.280
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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PleochroismBrownish red - yellowish red.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
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DispersionVery strong
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
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Colour
Colour (General)Black, steel gray, partly reddish
Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
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TransparencyOpaque
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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LustreMetallic
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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Fluorescence & other light emissions
Fluorescence (General)None
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of Hematite
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
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HabitCrystals complex rhombohedral, pseudocubic, prismatic, rarely scalenohedral, to 13 cm, with triangular striations; thin tabular, to micaceous or platy, commonly in rosettes; radiating fibrous, reniform, botryoidal or stalactitic masses, columnar; earthy, granular, oolitic, concretionary.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
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Geological Environment
Where found:An accessory mineral in felsic igneous rocks, a late-stage sublimate in volcanic rocks, and in high-temperature hydrothermal veins. A product of contact metamorphism and in metamorphosed banded iron formations. A common cement in sedimentary rocks and a major constituent in oolitic iron formations. Abundant on weathered iron-bearing minerals.
Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Hematite information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Myanmar
 
  • Mandalay Region
    • Pyin-Oo-Lwin District
      • Mogok Township
        • Marble Ark
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Nigeria
 
  • Kaduna
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