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Oxide

Hematite

Opaque metallic silver-grey to black with high density

Black Grey Silver
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
2.94 – 3.22
Birefringence
0.28
Luster
Metallic to submetallic
Pleochroism
None None (opaque).
Fluorescence
Inert.
Origins

Source localities

Brazil Brazil: Minas Gerais / Paraíba / Bahia
Significant

Major source for beryl, tourmaline, quartz, topaz, chrysoberyl and rare minerals; Brazil is a leading hematite producer.

35% est. supply
United Kingdom United Kingdom: Whitby jet
Significant ★ Top Source

Classic source for Whitby jet; Cumberland (Cumbria) is a historic source of specular hematite used in jewelry.

22% est. supply
United States USA: major gem fields
Commercial

Diverse sources for turquoise, tourmaline, opal, sapphire, topaz, red beryl and rare minerals.

25% est. supply
India India: Rajasthan / Odisha / Karnataka
Commercial

Historic and modern source for garnet, moonstone, corundum and other gems.

18% est. supply
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Clouds Pinpoint Clouds Under 10x loupe: concentrations of extremely tiny bright dots that individually are too small…
Identification

Instruments used

10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here Hydrostatic Scale Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones High CRI Penlight Tiny concentrated white spot for field checks, inclusions, fire, and fractures