Hematite's natural characteristics set it apart from stones like these.
Geology and rock collecting in general requires a great deal of observation. Stones have a variety of observable characteristics which you can use to investigate and identify the stone's specific type. Few stones have as distinctive a set of characteristics as hematite. Reviewing the characteristics of a hematite can aid in your observation and identification process.
Shine
Hematite has a natural metallic shine, similar to that of liquid mercury. Even without polishing, the surface of a hematite may have enough shine to reflect images. While the surface may have imperfections or unusual shapes, it still shines with a metallic intensity that at least catches light. In its botryoidal form (meaning shaped like a bunch of grapes) a hematite catches light in circular patterns, while in its crystalline form it catches light in rectangular shapes and lines.
Redness
The name "hematite" comes from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood," due to hematite's reddish iron content. When rubbed against a hard, light-colored surface, hematite leaves behind a distinctive red streak. Rubbing a potential hematite against the back of a ceramic bathroom tile can quickly identify it as hematite if it leaves a red streak. This red streak caused the ancient Egyptians to prize hematite, even writing inscriptions in important texts with hematite. Hematite also takes on a deep red color when pulverized into powder.
Shape
Hematite may take on different shapes depending on its location of discovery. Small hematite stones may occur in layers of quarts or chert but fine specimens usually have botryoidal or crystalline forms. Botryoidal forms resemble a bunch of grapes or bubbles, as the hematite formed in spherical clusters over time. Crystalline hematite formations have pointed, stalactitic (like a stalactite,) geometric shapes that jut out in all directions. Both of botryoidal and crystalline forms of hematite have the greatest value to collectors.
Occurrence
Hematite occurs in a variety of locations in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rocks generally have the largest and most valuable hematite deposits. These deposits form in the sediments as iron-rich minerals become weathered by time and pressure. Hematite precipitates into sedimentary rock primarily through lakes and seas through both chemical and organic processes. Hematite occurs in metamorphic rocks created by iron-rich sediments. It also occurs as small grains in granite or as crystals generally found in quartz. This crystalline form in quartz was deposited by volcanic gas and extremely high temperature liquids. Hematite may occur as small bits or "inclusions" in several other minerals.
Tags: catches light, botryoidal crystalline, botryoidal crystalline forms, bunch grapes, characteristics hematite, crystalline form
