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Hematite

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Tujetsch (Tavetsch), Vorderrhein Valley, Grischun (Grisons; Graubünden), Switzerland
© 2003 John H. Betts

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Formula:
Fe
 
2
O
 
3
System:TrigonalColour:Steel-grey to black in ...
Lustre:Metallic, Sub-Metallic, Dull, EarthyHardness:5 - 6
Name:From the Greek, haimatites, "bloodlike" in allusion to vivid red color of the powder.


Hematite Group. The iron analogue of Corundum, Eskolaite, and Karelianite.

Hematite is rather variable in its appearence - it can be in reddish brown, ocherous masses, dark silvery-grey scaled masses, silvery-grey crystals, and dark-grey masses, to name a few. What they all have in common is a rust-red streak.

Classification of Hematite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:4/C.04-20
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:4.CB.05

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
C : Metal: Oxygen = 2: 3,3: 5, and similar
B : With medium-sized cations
Dana 7th edition ID:4.3.1.2
Dana 8th edition ID:4.3.1.2

4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
3 : A2X3
Hey's CIM Ref.:7.20.4

7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
20 : Oxides of Fe
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Occurrences of Hematite

Geological Setting:Large ore bodies of hematite are usually of sedimentary origin; also found in high-grade ore bodies in metamorphic rocks due to contact metasomatism, and occasionally as a sublimate on igneous extrusive rocks ("lavas") as a result ov volcanic activity. It is also found coloring soils red all over the planet...

Physical Properties of Hematite

Lustre:Metallic, Sub-Metallic, Dull, Earthy
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Translucent on thin edges, Opaque
Colour:Steel-grey to black in crystals and massively crystalline ores, dull to bright "rust-red" in in earthy, compact, fine-grained material.
Streak:Reddish brown ("rust-red")
Hardness (Mohs):5 - 6
Hardness (Vickers):VHN100=1000 - 1100 kg/mm2
Hardness Data:Measured
Tenacity:Brittle
Cleavage:None Observed
Parting:Partings on {0001} and {1011} due to twinning. Unique cubic parting in masses and grains at Franklin Mine, Franklin, NJ.
Fracture:Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Comment:Elastic in thin lamellae
Density (measured):5.26 g/cm3
Density (calculated):5.255 g/cm3

Crystallography of Hematite

Crystal System:Trigonal
Class (H-M):3m (3 2/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:R3c (R3 2/c)
Cell Parameters:a = 5.038(2) Å, c = 13.772(12) Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 2.734
Unit Cell Volume:V 302.72 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:6
Morphology:Crystals generally thick to thin tabular {0001}, rarely prismatic [0001] or scalenohedral; also rarely rhombohedral {1011}, producing pseudo-cubic crystals. Often found in sub-parallel growths on {0001} or as rosettes ("iron crosses.") Sometimes in micaceous to platy masses. May be compact columnar or fibrous masses, sometimes radiating, or in reniform masses with a smooth fracture ("kidney ore"), and botryoidal and stalactic. Frequently in earth masses, also granular, friable to compact, concretionary and oolitic.
Twinning:Penetration twins on {0001}, or with {1010} as a composition plane. Frequently exhibits a lamellar twinning on {1011} in polished section.
Crystal Atlas:
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Hematite no.319 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Hematite no.331 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Hematite no.337 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)

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X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data: Peaks:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
d-spacingIntensity
3.68(30)
2.70(100)
2.52(70)
2.21(20)
1.84(40)
1.69(50)
1.49(30)

Optical Data of Hematite

Type:Uniaxial (-)
RI values: nω = 3.150 - 3.220 nε = 2.870 - 2.940
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.280

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Very High
Type:Anisotropic
Anisotropism:Distinct
Colour in reflected light:White to gray white with bluish tint
Internal Reflections:Red
Pleochroism:Weak
Comments:O = brownish red
E = yellowish red

Chemical Properties of Hematite

Formula:
Fe
 
2
O
 
3
Essential elements:Fe, O
All elements listed in formula:Fe, O
Common Impurities:Ti,Al,Mn,H2O

Relationship of Hematite to other Species

Related to:
  • Hematite Group
    • Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):
    4.CB.05Brizziite
    NaSb
    5+
     
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.05Corundum
    Al
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.05Ecandrewsite
    (Zn,Fe
    2+
     
    		,Mn
    2+
     
    		)TiO
     
    3
    4.CB.05Eskolaite
    Cr
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.05Geikielite
    MgTiO
     
    3
    4.CB.05Ilmenite
    Fe
    2+
     
    		TiO
     
    3
    4.CB.05Karelianite
    V
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.05Melanostibite
    Mn
    2+
     
    		(Sb
    5+
     
    		,Fe
    3+
     
    		)O
     
    3
    4.CB.05Pyrophanite
    Mn
    2+
     
    		TiO
     
    3
    4.CB.05Auroantimonate
    AuSbO
     
    3
    4.CB.05Romanite
    ([],Pb,Ca)UFe
    2+
    2
    		(Ti,Fe
    3+
     
    		)
     
    6
    		Ti
     
    12
    		O
     
    38
    4.CB.10Avicennite
    Tl
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.10Bixbyite
    (Mn
    3+
     
    		,Fe
    3+
     
    		)
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.15Armalcolite
    (Mg,Fe
    2+
     
    		)Ti
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    4.CB.15Pseudobrookite
    Fe
     
    2
    		TiO
     
    5
    4.CB.15Mongshanite
    (Mg,Cr,Fe
    2+
     
    		)
     
    2
    		(Ti,Zr)
     
    5
    		O
     
    12
    4.CB.20Zincohögbomite-2N2S
    Ti(Zn,Mg,Fe)
     
    2
    		Al
     
    8
    		O
     
    15
    		(OH)
    4.CB.20Zincohögbomite-2N6S
    Ti(Zn,Mg,Fe)
     
    6
    		Al
     
    16
    		O
     
    31
    		(OH)
    4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S
    Ti(Mg,Fe)
     
    2
    		Al
     
    8
    		O
     
    15
    		(OH)
    4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S
    Ti(Mg,Fe)
     
    3
    		Al
     
    10
    		O
     
    19
    		(OH)
    4.CB.20Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S
    Ti(Mg,Fe)
     
    2
    		Al
     
    8
    		O
     
    15
    		(OH)
    4.CB.20Ferrohögbomite-6N12S
    Ti(Fe,Mg)
     
    4
    		Al
     
    12
    		O
     
    23
    		(OH)
    4.CB.25Pseudorutile
    Fe
     
    2
    		Ti
     
    3
    		O
     
    9
    4.CB.25Tietaiyangite
    Fe
    3+
    4
    		Fe
    2+
     
    		TiO
     
    9
    4.CB.30Berdesinskiite
    V
    3+
    2
    		TiO
     
    5
    4.CB.35Kyzylkumite
    V
     
    2
    		Ti
     
    3
    		O
     
    9
    4.CB.35Olkhonskite
    (Cr,V)
     
    2
    		Ti
     
    3
    		O
     
    9
    4.CB.35Schreyerite
    V
     
    2
    		Ti
     
    3
    		O
     
    9
    4.CB.40Kamiokite
    Fe
     
    2
    		Mo
     
    3
    		O
     
    8
    4.CB.40Nolanite
    (V,Fe,Fe,Ti)
     
    10
    		O
     
    14
    		(OH)
     
    2
    4.CB.40Rinmanite
    Zn
     
    2
    		Sb
     
    2
    		Mg
     
    2
    		Fe
     
    4
    		O
     
    14
    		(OH)
     
    2
    4.CB.45Claudetite
    As
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.45Stibioclaudetite
    AsSbO
     
    3
    4.CB.50Arsenolite
    As
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.50Sénarmontite
    Sb
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.55Valentinite
    Sb
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.60Bismite
    Bi
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.65Sphaerobismoite
    Bi
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    4.CB.70Sillénite
    Bi
     
    12
    		SiO
     
    20
    Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:
    7.20.1Wüstite
    FeO
    7.20.2Magnetite
    Fe
    2+
     
    		Fe
    3+
    2
    		O
     
    4
    7.20.3Maghemite
    Fe
     
    2
    		O
     
    3
    7.20.5Goethite
    α-Fe
    3+
     
    		O(OH)
    7.20.6Akaganeite
    β-Fe
    3+
     
    		O(OH,Cl)
    7.20.7Feroxyhyte
    Fe
    3+
     
    		O(OH)
    7.20.8Lepidocrocite
    γ-Fe
    3+
     
    		O(OH)
    7.20.9Ferrihydrite
    Fe
     
    5
    		O
     
    3
    		(OH)
     
    9
    7.20.10Amakinite
    (Fe
    2+
     
    		,Mg)(OH)
     
    2
    7.20.11Magnesioferrite
    MgFe
    3+
    2
    		O
     
    4
    7.20.12Muskoxite
    Mg
     
    7
    		Fe
     
    4
    		O
     
    13
    		·10H
     
    2
    		O
    7.20.13Srebrodolskite
    Ca
     
    2
    		Fe
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    7.20.14Hercynite
    FeAl
     
    2
    		O
     
    4
    7.20.15Brownmillerite
    Ca
     
    2
    		(Al,Fe
    3+
     
    		)
     
    2
    		O
     
    5
    Related Minerals - Dana Grouping):
    4.3.1.1Corundum
    Al
     
    2
    		O
     
    3

    Other Names for Hematite

    Synonyms:
    Alaska Black DiamondAnhydroferriteEmatiteHaematiteHematitogelite
    Hematogelite (of Tućan)Iron GlanceRed HematiteRed Iron OreRed Ochre
    Red Oxide of IronRuddleSanguine
    Dutch names:
    Speglande Eisenglimmer
    French names:
    Fer oligisteFer oxydé rougeHematite rouge
    German names:
    AnhydroferritEisenglanzHaematitHaematitesHämatit
    HematitJernglanzRoteisensteinRotheisensteinRother Eisenrahm
    Greek names:
    Αιματίτης
    Italian names:
    Ematite rossaOligisto
    Latin names:
    Ochra rubra
    Russian names:
    Гематит
    Spanish names:
    AnhydroferritaHaematitaHematitaHematita rojoHierro oligisto
    Swedish names:
    BlodstenHaematites ruberJärnmalm tritura rubraJernglansRöd Jernmalm
    RödmalmSpeglande Jernmalm
    Varieties:
    AlumohematiteCruciliteIron RoseKidney OreMartite
    Specularite

    Other Information

    Fluorescence in UV light:None.
    Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
    Industrial Uses:A major ore of iron.

    References for Hematite

    Reference List:Agricola (1546): 565, 468.

    Biäsch (1929), Zs. Kr.: 70: 1.

    Palache, Charles, Harry Berman & Clifford Frondel (1944), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Yale University 1837-1892, Volume I: Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts, Oxides. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York. 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 527-534.

    American Mineralogist (1966): 51: 123-129.

    Mao, H.K., D. Virgo, & P.M. Bell (1977), High-pressure 57Fe Mössbauer data on the phase and magnetic transitions of magnesioferrite (MgFe2O4), magnetite (Fe3O4), and hematite (Fe2O3). Carnegie Instsitution of Washington Year Book: 76: 522-525.

    Fleet, M.E. and Arima, M. (1985) Oriented hematite inclusions in sillimanite. American Mineralogist: 70: 1232-1237.

    Gaines, Richard V., H. Catherine, W. Skinner, Eugene E. Foord, Brian Mason, Abraham Rosenzweig (1997), Dana's New Mineralogy : The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana: 217.

    Andrault, D., & Bolfan-Casanova, N. (2001), High-pressure phase transformation in the MgFe2O4 and Fe2O3-MgSiO3 systems: Physics and Chemistry of Minerals: 28: 211-217.

    Rozenberg, G.Kh., L.S. Dubrovinsky, M.P. Pasternak, O. Naaman, T. LeBihan, & R. Ahuja (2002), High-pressure structural studies of hematite (Fe2O3): Physical Review B: 65: 064112.

    Shim, S-H., & T.S. Duffy (2002), Raman spectroscopy of Fe2O3 to 62GPa: American Mineralogist: 87: 318-326.

    Cornell, R.M. and Schwertmann, U. (2003) The iron oxides. Structure, properties, reactions, occurrences and uses. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.

    Internet Links for Hematite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Hematite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Hematite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    Localities for Hematite

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