Hematite vs Magnetite

Property Hematite Magnetite
Rumus Fe2O3 Fe3O4
Sistem Kristal Trigonal Cubic (Isometric)
Kelas Mineral 04 Oxides and Hydroxides 04 Oxides and Hydroxides
Kekerasan Mohs 5.0-6.5 5.5-6.5
Warna Steel-gray to black, red-brown Black
Kilap Metallic Metallic
Gores Reddish-brown Black
Transparansi Opaque Opaque
Belahan None None
Pecahan Conchoidal to uneven Conchoidal to uneven

Key Differences

  • Magnetite is strongly magnetic; hematite is not (except in some varieties).
  • Hematite has a distinctive reddish-brown streak; magnetite has a black streak.
  • Hematite is Fe2O3 (ferric oxide); magnetite is Fe3O4 (mixed ferrous/ferric oxide).
  • Hematite color ranges from steel-gray to reddish-brown; magnetite is always black.
  • Both are iron ores, but hematite is the primary commercial ore due to its higher iron content.

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