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Encyclopediahematitehematite (hem'utīt) [key], mineral, an oxide of iron, Fe2O3, containing about 70% metal, occurring in nature in red to reddish-brown earthy masses and in steel-gray to black crystalline forms. Hematite that has a metallic luster is called specular hematite, or specular iron. The red powdered hematite is used as a pigment (ocher) and as rouge in polishing. Hematite is the most important ore of iron. Extensive and richly productive deposits occur in the Lake Superior region (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) and the Birmingham district (Alabama). The mineral is widely distributed throughout the world and is responsible for the red coloration of many sedimentary rocks. See limonite. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. More on hematite from Infoplease:
- brown hematite - brown hematite: brown hematite: see limonite.
- limonite - limonite limonite or brown hematite, yellowish to dark brown mineral, a hydrated oxide of iron, ...
- ocher - ocher ocher , mixture of varying proportions of iron oxide and clay, used as a pigment. It occurs ...
- corundum - corundum corundum , mineral, aluminum oxide, Al2O3. The clear varieties are used as gems and the ...
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