|
Chemical Classification |
Oxide |
|
Color |
Black to steel- |
|
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. |