What's That Rock?Hematite
An iron oxide that ranges from shiny gray metal-like crystals to dull red earth. Its red-brown streak is the key sign.
How to identify Hematite
- Rub it on unglazed porcelain: the streak is red-brown, even if the stone is black
- Heavy for its size
- Weakly magnetic or not at all
Often confused with
Real or fake?
- Many shiny gray 'magnetic hematite' beads are man-made and strongly magnetic; real hematite is only weakly magnetic
Is Hematite valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Tumbled stone$1–3each
Rough$8–25per pound
Collector specimen$8–80each
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Form: shiny 'iron rose' crystals and sharp specular crystals are collector pieces
- Origin: Swiss and Italian (Elba) specimens are well known
- Beads and tumbles are cheap; 'magnetic hematite' beads are man-made
- Ore pieces and kidney ore are very inexpensive
Uses
- Iron ore
- Pigment, beads and carvings
Care
Safe to wash briefly; rust can occur in the unsealed man-made versions.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026