Hematite
HematiteJewelryWiki Editorial·2 sources·Reviewed 2026-08-04
The heavy, mirror-grey iron oxide cut into beads, cabochons and men’s rings. Two things surprise buyers: it is unusually dense for its size, and it leaves a rust-red streak when scraped — the same iron that makes it grey makes it red as a powder, which is where the name comes from.
Properties
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5–6½ [1] | — |
| Specific gravity | 4.95–5.26 [1] | — |
| Chemical formula | Fe2O3 [2] | — |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal [2] | — |
| Care cautions | Iron oxide will rust: keep it dry, take it off before swimming or washing, and dry it thoroughly if it does get wet. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. [1] | — |
Sources
- International Gem Society — gemstone articles — International Gem Society (IGS, gemstone information articles (gemsociety.org))
- Handbook of Mineralogy — Mineral Data Publishing / Mineralogical Society of America (Handbook of Mineralogy, Mineral Data Publishing)