11/09/2026
🧲 Magnetite vs. Hematite: Two Important Iron Oxides
Magnetite and hematite are both important iron-bearing minerals, but they have different properties.
⚫ Magnetite (Fe₃O₄)
Black to dark gray
Strongly magnetic
Black streak
Metallic to submetallic luster
🔴 Hematite (Fe₂O₃)
Gray, reddish-brown, or metallic-looking
Usually non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic
Characteristic reddish-brown streak
Both can occur in iron-rich rocks and ore deposits.
Field tip: A simple magnet test combined with a streak test can be extremely useful for distinguishing them.
Question: Which of these two minerals is strongly magnetic?
📚 Reference: Klein, C., & Dutrow, B. (2007). Manual of Mineral Science.
