Hématite

Hematite is an iron oxide, with the chemical formula Fe₂O₃. This mineral is distinguished by its brilliant metallic luster, ranging from silvery-gray to black, although it appears red in fine powder, a characteristic that earns it its name (“haima” in Greek, meaning “blood”). Highly prized for its high density, hematite has a specific gravity of around 5.3 g/cm³, making it a heavy, easily identifiable mineral.

It crystallizes in the trigonal system and forms in various geological environments, such as hydrothermal veins, metamorphic rocks and sedimentary deposits. With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, hematite is strong enough to be used in jewelry or as a decorative material. It is also used as a natural pigment for its characteristic red color when reduced to powder.