Hematite
Hematite is an oxide mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with several world-class Chinese localities.
About Hematite
Hematite is classified as an oxide mineral in the corundum group (hematite subgroup) and has the chemical formula Fe2O3. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and has a distinctive metallic presence in any collection. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Hematite typically forms tabular, platy (specularite), rosette-like (iron rose), botryoidal (kidney ore), micaceous (micaceous hematite), massive, earthy (ochre, red ochre). Its color range is broad, including steel-grey, black, reddish brown, and earthy varieties red to brick-red. The luster is metallic, submetallic, earthy, the streak is reddish brown, and specimens are typically opaque; thin flakes may be translucent reddish. The fracture is conchoidal, uneven, which is one of its key identifying features.
Collector context
How it forms
In terms of geology, Hematite forms in extremely widespread — banded iron formations (bif), sedimentary iron ore, hydrothermal veins, volcanic fumaroles, metamorphic rocks; as a secondary alteration product of iron-bearing minerals. It is commonly found in association with magnetite, goethite, pyrite, rutile, quartz, calcite, siderite, ilmenite.
Classic Chinese localities
**Huanggang Fe-Sn deposit** is an important Chinese source for the species.
Why collectors care
Collectors pursue Hematite for the clarity of its crystal form and, in good material, saturated color that reads instantly across a display case. A well-terminated hematite on clean matrix photographs well, identifies quickly, and anchors a cabinet piece. Top Chinese specimens over the last two decades have reset the bar for what hematite looks like at collector grade.
What affects value
Value in Hematite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Hematite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.
