Hematite / Haematite, (Fe2O3) is the mineral form of iron oxide, one of several iron oxides. Hematite is a mineral, colored black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish brown, or red. It is the main ore of iron.

Varieties include kidney ore, iron rose and specular hematite. The forms of hematite vary, but they all have a rust-red streak. Hematite is harder and more brittle than pure iron.

Huge deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Gray hematite is typically found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs.

The mineral can precipitate and collect in layers at the bottom of a lake, spring, or other standing water. Hematite can also occur without water as the result of volcanic activity.

Hematite’s popularity in jewelry was at its highest during the Victorian era in Europe. It has become popular in the western part of U.S.A. Certain types of hematite or iron oxide rich clay,have been used in gliding.

Hematite is used in art such as intaglio engraved gems. A synthetic material hematine is sold as magnetic hematite.