Hematite vs Magnetite
| Property | Hematite | Magnetite |
|---|---|---|
| Fórmula | Fe2O3 | Fe3O4 |
| Sistema Cristalino | Trigonal | Cubic (Isometric) |
| Classe Mineral | 04 Oxides and Hydroxides | 04 Oxides and Hydroxides |
| Dureza Mohs | 5.0-6.5 | 5.5-6.5 |
| Cor | Steel-gray to black, red-brown | Black |
| Brilho | Metallic | Metallic |
| Traço | Reddish-brown | Black |
| Transparência | Opaque | Opaque |
| Clivagem | None | None |
| Fratura | 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.