Hematite Rough - Per Kilo

Hematite, also spelled as haematite, is the principle ore of iron. Huge quantities are mined throughout the world for industrial production. It is the source for roughly 90 percent of all iron mined in the United States. Hematite was largely used in the past as a red and brown pigment, although nowadays cheaper sources have been substituted. Well formed Hematite crystals are popular among mineral collectors, and tumbled, highly lustrous Hematite from Brazil makes a very popular, inexpensive specimen for amateur collectors. Hematite naturally occurs in black to steel or silver-grey, brown to reddish-brown, or red colours. It is mined as an important ore of iron. It is electrically conductive.

Hematite is not only harder than pure iron, but also much more brittle. Large deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Gray hematite is typically found in places that have still, standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park in North America. The mineral can precipitate in the water and collect in layers at the bottom of the lake, spring, or other standing water. Hematite can also occur in the absence of water, usually as the result of volcanic activity.

Hematite is also used as a minor gemstone. It is cut and polished into cabochons for jewellery and ornaments, fashioned into beads for bracelets and necklaces, and carved into ornamental figures.