Hematite, Magnetite, Limonite
Archae Solenhofen (solenhofen@hotmail.com)
(Last modified April 3, 2001)
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Hematite (iron oxide (Fe2O3))
is a common mineral on the Earth's surface and is the principal ore of
iron. Hematite can be tabular, micaceous, botryoidal, and massive in form.
and also earthy. Its colour in crystals is steel or silver grey to black,
and red to brown in earthy forms. Luster is metallic in crystals or dull
when earthy, and crystals are opaque. Cleavage is absent in crystals, and
fracture is uneven. Hematite has a hardness is 5 - 6 on Mohs' scale. In
Egypt hematite occurs in a variety of locations in the Eastern Desert.
The hematite that the Egyptians used was of the crystalline type being
black, opaque, and having a metallic luster. The ancient Egyptians used
hematite for beads, amulets, kohl sticks, and other small ornamental objects
as early as predynastic times. Later the hematite was used in the smelting
of iron ore by the Romans. Other types of iron oxides such as magnetite
(iron oxide (Fe3O4))
and limonite (hydrated ferric oxides) have been found as a small amulet
and statuette, respectively (Lucas and Harris, 1962).
References
Lucas, A. & Harris, J.R. (1962) Ancient Egyptian materials
and industries. E. Arnold, London, 523 p.
Links to examples of Hematite, Magnetite, and Limonite
Usage
n.a.
 
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