LithoMap

Mineral identification comparison

Hematite vs. magnetite: how to tell them apart

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.

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Dark metallic and reddish-brown hematite-turgite mineral specimen
HematiteIron oxide mineral · Fe₂O₃Photo: James St. John · CC BY 2.0
Black metallic magnetite crystal specimen
MagnetiteIron oxide mineral · Fe₃O₄Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer

The most useful distinction

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

Hematite and Magnetite comparison table

PropertyHematiteMagnetiteHow to use it
MagnetismUsually weakly magnetic or nonmagnetic in an ordinary hand testStrongly attracted to a magnet; some pieces are naturally magnetizedStrong attraction is the fastest clue for magnetite, but mixtures can respond too.
StreakRed, reddish brown, or brownish redBlack to dark grayStreak often identifies hematite even when its surface is metallic gray.
Typical appearanceEarthy red, brown, black, steel gray, botryoidal, or platyBlack, metallic to submetallic, granular, massive, or octahedralSurface appearance overlaps and should never replace streak and magnetism.
HardnessAbout 5 to 6.5, but earthy material can seem softerAbout 5.5 to 6.5Hardness overlaps too much to be the primary distinction.
Field sequence

A practical identification sequence

  1. 1

    Test the specimen with a known magnet and note the strength of attraction.

  2. 2

    Rub a small fresh edge on an unglazed porcelain streak plate.

  3. 3

    Compare the powder color rather than loose surface dust or weathering rind.

  4. 4

    Check for mixtures, coatings, or enclosing rock that could combine both responses.

Limits and cautions

Where the distinction gets difficult

  • 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.

Use several independent observations. This comparison supports preliminary field identification, not laboratory confirmation, appraisal, proof of origin, or collecting permission.

Common questions

Hematite vs. magnetite FAQ

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.

Source basis

Authoritative sources

LithoMap wrote this comparison in original language from the physical properties and geological concepts supported by these public scientific references.

Editorial review: September 17, 2026.

Resolve another lookalike

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