hematiittia

Hematiitti is an iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3. It is the main ore of iron. The name "hematite" comes from the Greek word "haima," meaning blood, due to its reddish streak. It is a very common mineral found in rocks and sediments worldwide, occurring in various forms such as earthy, botryoidal, fibrous, and oolitic. Pure hematite contains about 70% iron. Its color can range from black to silver-gray to reddish-brown, depending on the specific form and impurities present. The streak of hematite is consistently reddish-brown, regardless of the mineral's color.

Hematite is a relatively hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. It is not magnetic, although some varieties may exhibit weak magnetism due to inclusions of magnetite. It forms under a wide range of geological conditions, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Significant deposits of hematite are found in Australia, Brazil, China, India, and Russia, among other countries. Historically, hematite has been used for pigments, cosmetics, and in ancient times, for ornamental purposes. In modern times, its primary use is as an iron ore for the production of steel. It is also used in the manufacturing of cement and as a weighting agent in drilling fluids.