Identification clues
Hematite can look metallic and steel-grey, or dull and red. Its forms include plates, rounded masses and earthy material. That range makes surface colour alone an unreliable shortcut.
Mineral facts and formation
Hematite is an iron oxide. Mineral references record a cherry-red to reddish-brown streak, even for many dark-looking specimens. A streak is the colour of powdered material, not simply the colour of a polished surface.
Lookalikes and useful comparisons
Compare a metallic-looking surface with the glassy appearance of Obsidian or the polish on Black Onyx. These observations help organise possibilities, but a shiny black finish cannot settle the identity.
Care for a display specimen
Handle over a soft surface and protect edges from impact. Start with a soft dry cloth. Avoid making dust or scratching a finished piece just to reproduce a reference test.
Look a little closer
Try this observation.
Write separate notes for colour and lustre: for example, “grey” describes colour while “metallic” describes the way light reflects. Keeping those observations separate is useful for every mineral.
Should I do a streak test on my polished stone?
Not for this observation exercise. It can leave damage or powder. Read the published property and compare non-destructive clues first.
Sources and further reading
Reference information checked 29 September 2026. These sources describe minerals generally; they do not identify a particular stone.