Thumbprints - Specular Hematite
   


Optical 1
Optical 2
Optical 3


   


     

  Hematite is an oxide of iron, Fe2O3, which is used as an ore of iron. Near Lake Superior many millions of tons a year are mined and used for this purpose. These deposits were deposited as sediments from streams and rivers. The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood, as sometimes hematite can be red. Hematite can be found in many forms. It can sometimes come in plate or column shaped crystals. It can also be granular. In color it can be red or a reflective silvery black called specular hematite as shown here. When heated, it can turn black, reverting to its previous color when it cools.

Hematite can contain impurities, usually titanium and sometimes water. Hematite can be formed by weathering of other minerals such as siderite limonite or magnetite.

In the United States hematite can be found in the Lake Superior region as mentioned where the deposits can reach thicknesses of 1000 ft. Hematite can be found in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Alabama, New Jersey, Missouri, Colorado and Wyoming. Hematite can also be found in Canada and Newfoundland.