On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Hematite
An iron oxide mineral species with the formula Fe2O3, and a common impurity mineral in jasper; magnetic hematite beads on the market are mostly man-made. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
Questions people ask about Hematite
Every sentence below is followed by the registered fact it rests on; answers add no new facts and promise no outcome.
Q1How can you tell real hematite from an imitation?
Hematite's streak and fracture surfaces are generally reddish brown.GB/T 16553—2017Hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4) are two distinct iron oxide minerals and should not be confused.Handbook of MineralogyNo synthetic hematite is commercially available.CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.What this page can answer
Q2Why is hematite grey but red when scratched?
Hematite ranges from steel grey, often with an iridescent tarnish, to dull or bright red, while its streak is cherry red or reddish brown; the colour comes from its iron oxide composition.Handbook of MineralogyIts Greek name means blood, a reference to that colour.Handbook of Mineralogy
Q3What makes rainbow hematite iridescent?
In natural metamorphic rainbow hematite, a highly regular arrangement of spindle-shaped hematite nanocrystals acts as a diffraction grating for visible light; it is not a simple surface coating.G&G Spring 2018This periodic structure formed in two stages as hematite nanorods aggregated in an oriented way.G&G Spring 2018
Q4Is hematite fragile?
Its hardness is recorded as Mohs 5–6.Handbook of MineralogyIt is brittle, though elastic in thin laminae.Handbook of MineralogyTwinning gives it partings along certain crystal planes.Handbook of Mineralogy
Q5How does hematite form?
Hematite forms in many settings: in felsic igneous rocks, as a late-stage deposit in volcanic rocks and high-temperature hydrothermal veins, through contact metamorphism, as a major part of banded and oolitic iron formations, and on weathered iron-bearing minerals.Handbook of MineralogyIts habits range from radiating fibres and kidney-shaped or botryoidal masses to granular, oolitic and earthy forms.Handbook of Mineralogy
Q6What is hematite made of?
Hematite is iron oxide with the formula Fe2O3 and belongs to the hematite group.Handbook of MineralogyPolished hematite has a metallic lustre.GB/T 16553—2017It is opaque.CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Q7What does hematite symbolize, and does it have healing powers?
There is no scientific evidence that hematite has healing powers: the UK advertising regulators ASA and CAP state that they have not seen evidence that crystal therapy can treat medical conditions.ASA/CAP guidance (UK)What is recorded is its long history in ornament: museum collections hold hematite beads from Egypt's Middle Kingdom around 2030–1640 B.C., followed by Minoan seals, Roman Imperial intaglios and Byzantine amulets.The Met 10.130.2908 · The Met 99.4.30 +5
Sources cited in these answers ASA/CAP guidance (UK)
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Hematite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale; where its colour and optical effects come from, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify HematiteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing HematiteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of HematiteEach value with its source and check date
- Hematite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of HematiteWhere the name comes from; how people have used it, with museum objects
- Listing and disclosing HematiteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define HematiteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Hematite is an iron oxide of formula Fe2O3 (alpha-Fe2O3) that belongs to the hematite group; it is dimorphous with maghemite. It appears as an accessory mineral within felsic igneous rocks, as a late-stage sublimate within volcanic rocks and in hydrothermal veins of high temperature, and as a product of contact metamorphism; it also occurs in metamorphosed banded iron formations, acts as a common cement in sedimentary rocks, forms a major constituent of oolitic iron formations, and is abundant on weathered iron-bearing minerals. Hematite's habits are diverse, ranging from metallic specular forms to earthy and oolitic ones.
Scope: Covers the origin, occurrence and appearance of natural hematite as a mineral species, including an explanation of the iridescence mechanism of metamorphic "rainbow" hematite; does not address synthetic iron oxide pigments.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · G&G Spring 2018
Where it forms
An accessory mineral within felsic igneous rocks; a late-stage sublimate within volcanic rocks and in hydrothermal veins of high temperature
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Contact-metamorphic zones and metamorphosed banded iron formations (BIF)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
A constituent of oolitic iron formations and a major cement within sedimentary rocks; it is abundant on weathered iron-bearing minerals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
In high-temperature igneous and hydrothermal environments, iron oxidizes and crystallizes as hematite (e.g., specularite).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
During contact metamorphism and metamorphism of banded iron formations, iron minerals recrystallize into hematite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In sedimentary and supergene settings, hematite precipitates and concentrates as cement, oolites, or the weathered product of iron-bearing minerals.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Hematite's appearance varies widely with origin and variety: dense, metallic specularite contrasts with earthy and oolitic forms; its color is steel-gray, often with iridescent tarnish, to dull or bright red, with a cherry-red or reddish brown streak. The iridescence of 'rainbow' hematite arises from interference of visible light by its internal nanoscale periodic structure rather than a simple surface coating.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · G&G Spring 2018
Timescale
The sources state no absolute geological timescale for hematite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Supporting findings
Hematite is present in felsic igneous rocks; it forms as a late-stage sublimate within volcanic rocks and in hydrothermal veins of high temperature. It is a product of contact metamorphism and a major constituent both of metamorphosed banded iron formations and of oolitic iron formations, and it also develops on weathered iron-bearing minerals.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes hematite's occurrence and host environments.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The periodic structure of this rainbow hematite formed in two stages by the arrested, oriented aggregation of hematite nanorods.
Evidence grade AScope: Limited to the genetic model for rainbow hematite from the Andrade mine, Brazil.
Sources G&G Spring 2018
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Kuruman district, South AfricaPrinted as Cape Province
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Nador, AlgeriaExact position not given; not plotted
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Fibbia, St. Gotthard, Uri, Switzerland
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Binntal, Valais, Switzerland
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Ocna de Fier, Romania
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Rio Marina, Elba, Italy
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Cleator Moor, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Kragerø, NorwayAs printed: Kragerø and Hiassen
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Near Quartzsite, La Paz County, Arizona, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
South America
- Andrade mine, João Monlevade, Minas Gerais, BrazilRainbow (iridescent) hematite
Sources G&G Spring 2018
- Congonhas do Campo, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Brumado area, Bahia, Brazil
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Seas and coasts
- WorldwideWidespread
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Causes of colour and optical effects
Hematite is steel-gray, often with iridescent tarnish, to dull or bright red; its streak is cherry-red or reddish brown, the color arising from its iron oxide composition.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the compositional basis of hematite's color.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The iridescence of metamorphic 'rainbow' hematite arises from a highly periodic microstructure of spindle-shaped hematite nanocrystals that forms a diffraction grating for visible light, an interference effect rather than a simple surface coating.
Evidence grade AScope: Limited to the iridescence mechanism of metamorphic specular ('rainbow') hematite; not all hematite.
Sources G&G Spring 2018
Where the name comes from
Hematite's Greek name means "blood", a reference to the mineral's colour. The same sources also record magnetite as an old name, perhaps alluding to the Magnesia district of Greece.
Evidence grade BScope: This states only the origin of the name and does not establish the material's composition, locality, natural origin, or whether it was treated.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Human use and museum objects
Collection evidence shows hematite used as beadwork by Egypt's Middle Kingdom around 2030-1640 B.C. (Met 10.130.2908, 99.4.30), continuing through Minoan seal use, Roman Imperial intaglios and Byzantine amulets (e.g. Met 26.31.242, 10.130.1393, 58.12).
Evidence grade AScope: Applies to collection objects recorded as hematite from Egypt, Minoan Crete, Rome and Byzantium; where the museum record marks uncertainty (e.g. hematite(?)) that uncertainty is retained.
Sources The Met 10.130.2908 · The Met 99.4.30 · The Met 11.151.661 +4
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Nasturtium seed bead (10.130.2908)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — String of beads, barrel and one acacia (99.4.30)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Polygonal cylinder seal; possibly reworked at a later date; possibly inscribed (11.151.661)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Hematite Lentoid (26.31.242)
- Cleveland Museum of Art — Shawabty (1980.42)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Hematite intaglio: Mummy of Osiris (10.130.1393)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Necklace with Gold Marriage Medallion and Hematite Amulet (58.12)
As beadwork and seals, hematite's earliest collection instances come from Egypt's Middle Kingdom (ca. 2030-1640 B.C.): a nasturtium-seed bead (Met 10.130.2908, ca. 1981-1550 B.C.) and a string of beads including hematite (Met 99.4.30, ca. 2030-1640 B.C., northern Upper Egypt). A polygonal hematite cylinder seal follows in the late Middle Kingdom to early New Kingdom (Met 11.151.661, ca. 1802-1450 B.C., Memphite Region). Minoan Crete produced hematite lentoid and amygdaloid seals (Met 26.31.242, ca. 1500-1375 B.C.). In the Roman Imperial period hematite was widely used for intaglios (e.g. Met 10.130.1393, ca. 2nd-3rd century CE), and a Byzantine necklace carries a hematite amulet (Met 58.12, amulet ca. 100-200 CE). The Cleveland Museum of Art's Middle Kingdom shawabty (1980.42, ca. 1859-1648 B.C.) is likewise of hematite.
Sources The Met 10.130.2908 · The Met 99.4.30 · The Met 11.151.661 +4
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Nasturtium seed bead (10.130.2908)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — String of beads, barrel and one acacia (99.4.30)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Polygonal cylinder seal; possibly reworked at a later date; possibly inscribed (11.151.661)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Hematite Lentoid (26.31.242)
- Cleveland Museum of Art — Shawabty (1980.42)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Hematite intaglio: Mummy of Osiris (10.130.1393)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Necklace with Gold Marriage Medallion and Hematite Amulet (58.12)
Scope: A museum object evidences only the existence and date of that artefact itself; it does not establish widespread ancient use of the material, nor does it attest the origin, naturalness, or treatment of any modern specimen.
Objects cited
- The Met 10.130.2908Hematite
- The Met 99.4.30Amethyst, carnelian, hematite
- The Met 11.151.661Hematite
- The Met 26.31.242Hematite
- Cleveland Museum of Art 1980.42hematite
- The Met 10.130.1393Hematite
- The Met 58.12Gold wrought and worked in repoussé and hematite
Other research findings
Hematite has the formula Fe2O3 (alpha-Fe2O3), belongs to the hematite group, and is dimorphous with maghemite.
Evidence grade BScope: Concerns hematite's composition and polymorphism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Hematite has diverse habits, including radiating fibrous, reniform, botryoidal or stalactitic masses, columnar forms, and earthy, granular, oolitic, and concretionary textures.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes hematite's diversity of habit/texture.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Hematite (Fe2O3, hematite group) and magnetite (Fe3O4, spinel group) are two distinct iron oxide mineral species and must not be conflated.
Evidence grade BScope: Defines the species boundary between hematite and magnetite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The sources state no absolute age for hematite formation.
- The iridescence mechanism is limited to the specific metamorphic specular hematite studied and does not necessarily apply to all hematite.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Hematite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Hematite” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.106 “Hematite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Magnetic beads sold as hematite are usually man-made magnetite or a composite and must be labelled accordingly.
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Hematite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Care
Hematite — care (special care): normal care
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.X, Gemstone Information Chart, Hematite N, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Durability and wearing
Toughness
Brittle; elastic in thin laminae
Fracture
Uneven to subconchoidal
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
The name register below lists one name for Hematite in a non-Latin script: 1 with no restriction recorded on use as a name.
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Hematite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2, and the suggested listing name is also Hematite. Trade and mineralogical namesA Chinese market name meaning “black gall stone” refers to Hematite, based on this site's ruling without a supporting clause. The mineralogical name is Hematite (Fe2O3). Japanese namesThe Japanese GSJ formal name is registered as a kanji name, with micaceous hematite given in brackets. Names in four languagesThe names in each language are given in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Hematite) and Japanese (a transliteration and a kanji name). Institution usageAmong authority wordings, the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 lists Hematite; the FTC source text has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A have not been checked; bodies without a recorded wording show Hematite's own English name, which does not represent their position.
Name register
Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Name | Type | Matching | Use as a name | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no restriction recorded (1) | ||||
| 黑胆石Simplified Chinese | market name | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | editorial ruling (no clause cited); Note: Market product name matched to this entry (hematite). |
How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 赤鉄鉱（雲母鉄鉱）
- Chinese formal name
- 赤铁矿 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
- Mineralogical name
- Hematite (Fe2O3)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 赤铁矿
- 繁體中文
- 赤鐵礦
- English
- Hematite
- 日本語
- ヘマタイト／赤鉄鉱
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Oxide minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Oxides / hydroxides
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Hematite has the composition Fe2O3, phase hematite; it is a crystalline aggregate, commonly granular, compact massive, oolitic or reniform. Mohs hardness 5–6, no cleavage; a site general note states that hardness alone is not enough to judge durability. Density is 4.95–5.28 g/cm³, worked out from the clause value 5.20 and tolerance of +0.08, −0.25; the streak and fracture surfaces are generally reddish brown. Refractive index is 2.87–3.22, worked out from the clause value 2.940–3.220 and tolerance of −0.070; optic character is an anisotropic aggregate, birefringence not measurable on an aggregate; transparency opaque. Pleochroism not measurable on an aggregate (untreated), fluorescence none (untreated), UV-visible spectrum not diagnostic, and the mid-infrared region shows the characteristic infrared absorption bands of hematite; magnification shows a granular structure, compact massive structure and jagged fracture on the surface (untreated), and the lustre is metallic (untreated).
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Hematite — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Hematite — composition (chemistry): Fe2O3
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — composition (phase): hematite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Hematite — structure (overall): crystalline aggregates: generally granular, compact massive, oolitic and reniform.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Hematite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — cleavage: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Hematite — density: 4.95–5.28 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 5.20, with a stated tolerance of +0.08 / -0.25. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — streak: The streak and the fracture surface are generally reddish brown
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Hematite — optic character: anisotropic aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — refractive index: 2.87–3.22
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 2.940–3.220, with a stated tolerance of -0.070. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — birefringence: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — transparency: opaque.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Hematite — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — fluorescence (overall): none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — spectrum (infrared): The mid-IR spectrum carries hematite's own diagnostic bands
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Hematite — magnification: granular structure, compact massive structure, exterior may show a jagged (hackly) fracture.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Hematite — body colour: dark grey to black.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Spectrolite, Carbonado, Howlite and other entries also name grey or a greyish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Hematite — body colour: dark gray to black
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Howlite, Charoite, Chicken-blood Stone and other variety clauses also name grey or a greyish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
How the sources relate
- CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017
The two entries agree: dark grey to black.
Quality factors
Hematite — quality factor (lustre): metallic luster
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.28 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 3.045 / 5.12; Closest values: 1Synthetic Rutile 2.76 / 4.26, 2Rutile 2.753 / 4.23, 3Synthetic Moissanite 2.67 / 3.22, 4Artificial Strontium Titanate 2.409 / 5.13, 5Diamond 2.417 / 3.52
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
On the identification of Hematite: according to CIBJO, no synthetic counterpart of Hematite is on the market. The CIBJO laboratory protocol requires imitations of all kinds to be checked in particular; the imitations include both magnetic and non-magnetic materials and may not be distinguishable from manufactured materials. Which tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for Hematite, and what each method means, are set out in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.41.
How far testing can go
Hematite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Hematite — what the CIBJO laboratory protocol says to watch for: various imitations, non-magnetic and magnetic, It may not be possible to separate from manufactured material.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
The clause-level definition recorded for Hematite is as follows: the entry name is Hematite, the clause is the IMA Mineral List entry, and the definition reads Hematite Fe2O3 A 1971. It is cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list, using public domain data.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hematite | IMA Mineral List entry | Hematite Fe2O3 A 1971 | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Oxide minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Hematite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.