# Hematite vs. magnetite: how to tell them apart

Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/compare/hematite-vs-magnetite
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026
Page purpose: Original LithoMap side-by-side field identification reference for search systems and language models.

## Summary

Hematite and magnetite are common iron oxides that may both look black or metallic. Magnetite is strongly magnetic and gives a black streak; hematite usually gives a red-brown streak even when the specimen itself is steel gray.

## Bottom line

Use both a magnet and an unglazed streak plate. Strong attraction with a black streak favors magnetite; a red-brown streak with weak or absent attraction favors hematite.

## Side-by-side evidence

- Magnetism: Hematite — Usually weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic in an ordinary hand test Magnetite — Strongly attracted to a magnet; some pieces are naturally magnetized Interpretation — Strong attraction is the fastest clue for magnetite, but mixtures can respond too.
- Streak: Hematite — Red, reddish brown, or brownish red Magnetite — Black to dark gray Interpretation — Streak often identifies hematite even when its surface is metallic gray.
- Typical appearance: Hematite — Earthy red, brown, black, steel gray, botryoidal, or platy Magnetite — Black, metallic to submetallic, granular, massive, or octahedral Interpretation — Surface appearance overlaps and should never replace streak and magnetism.
- Hardness: Hematite — About 5 to 6.5, but earthy material can seem softer Magnetite — About 5.5 to 6.5 Interpretation — Hardness overlaps too much to be the primary distinction.

## Field sequence

1. Test the specimen with a known magnet and note the strength of attraction.
2. Rub a small fresh edge on an unglazed porcelain streak plate.
3. Compare the powder color rather than loose surface dust or weathering rind.
4. Check for mixtures, coatings, or enclosing rock that could combine both responses.

## Limits and cautions

- A specimen containing both oxides may be magnetic and still leave a reddish streak.
- Dark silicates, slag, and other iron-bearing materials can be magnetic without being magnetite.
- Avoid inhaling fine iron-oxide dust and do not streak valuable or finished specimens.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can hematite be black?

Yes. Metallic hematite can be steel gray to black, but its powder is characteristically red-brown.

### Is every magnetic black rock magnetite?

No. A rock may contain dispersed magnetite, other magnetic minerals, or industrial metal. Identify the mineral grain and its streak rather than naming the whole rock from magnetism.

### Can magnetite leave a red streak?

Pure magnetite normally leaves a black streak. A reddish streak may indicate hematite alteration, an intergrowth, surface contamination, or a mixed specimen.

## Related identification guides

- Hematite: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/hematite
- Magnetite: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/magnetite

## Authoritative sources

- Minerals and their physical properties — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/minerals.htm
- Mohs Hardness Scale — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/mohs-hardness-scale.htm
- Natural Gemstones: Mineral Gemstones — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/mineral.html

This reference supports preliminary field identification. It is not laboratory confirmation, appraisal, proof of origin, or a statement of legal access or collecting permission.