Chemical Classification

 Oxide

Color

Black to steel-gray to silver; red to reddish brown to black

Streak

Red to reddish brown.

Luster

Metallic, submetallic, earthy.

Diaphaneity

Opaque.

Cleavage

None.

Mohs Hardness

5–6.5

Specific Gravity

5.3

Diagnostic Properties

Red streak, specific gravity.

Chemical Composition

 Fe2O3

Crystal System

Trigonal.

Uses

The most important ore of iron. Pigment, heavy media separation, radiation shielding, ballast, polishing compounds, a minor gemstone.