hematyt

Hematyt, a term used in several languages for the iron oxide mineral more widely known in English as hematite, denotes Fe2O3. The name hematyt reflects the same mineral and is encountered in reference works and field guides in various linguistic contexts. In English, hematite is the standard name, while hematyt may appear as a local or historical variant.

Hematyt is an oxide mineral with a chemical formula Fe2O3. It occurs in metallic gray to reddish-brown varieties; its streak is reddish to reddish-brown, and its luster ranges from metallic to earthy to submetallic. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and a density around 5.0 to 5.3 g/cm3. The crystal system is hexagonal, with common forms including tabular prisms and botryoidal aggregates; crystals are relatively rare.

Hematyt forms through oxidation of iron-bearing minerals and in hydrothermal environments; it is abundant in sedimentary iron ores and in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is widely distributed across the Earth's crust and is a principal source of iron ore.

Because of its iron content and red to black color in various forms, hematyt has long been used as an iron ore and as a pigment (red ochre) in art and construction. It is also used as a polishing abrasive and in decorative items when formed as polished grains or cabochons.

Hematyt is often distinguished from goethite and magnetite, and is the same mineral as hematite in different linguistic contexts.