Hematite and magnetite are two common iron ores, and they can often be found in mineral deposits around the world. They have distinct characteristics that can help you differentiate between them. Here's how to recognize hematite and magnetite iron ore:
- Color:Hematite: Hematite has a silvery to black metallic luster. It often appears silver or metallic gray when polished, but it can also display a reddish-brown streak. Its powder is typically red.Magnetite: Magnetite is black or brownish-black in color. Unlike hematite, it does not leave a reddish streak but instead has a black streak.
- Streak Test:Hematite: Hematite leaves a red streak when scratched on an unglazed ceramic plate or streak plate.Magnetite: Magnetite leaves a black streak when scratched on an unglazed ceramic plate.
- Magnetism:Hematite: Hematite is not magnetic. It does not exhibit magnetic properties.Magnetite: Magnetite is strongly magnetic and can be attracted to a magnet. In fact, it is named after its magnetic properties.
- Crystal Structure:Hematite: Hematite has a trigonal crystal structure and is often found in a variety of forms, including botryoidal (grape-like clusters), reniform (kidney-shaped), and tabular crystals.Magnetite: Magnetite has an isometric crystal structure and typically forms octahedral or dodecahedral crystals.
- Occurrence:Hematite: Hematite is commonly found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It often forms in the presence of water and is associated with banded iron formations.Magnetite: Magnetite is often found in igneous rocks, as well as in some metamorphic rocks. It can also be found in mineral deposits associated with hydrothermal activity.
- Magnetic Susceptibility Test:To definitively identify magnetite, you can use a magnetic susceptibility test. If the mineral is attracted to a strong magnet, it is likely magnetite.
It's important to note that in nature, these minerals can occur in various forms, and the distinction between them may not always be clear-cut. The characteristics listed above are general guidelines to help you recognize hematite and magnetite, but if you need precise identification, you may want to use additional testing and analysis methods.
Quality Control Chemist at Water treatment
1 年I have a method to test the thickness of magnetite and hematite deposits on the inner wall of boiler tubes in less than a minute. The test method can be verified. To provide the test method, send a message to [email protected]. The result is in microns. and mg/cm2 is reported.
Heating Air Conditioning Technician at Self Employed
1 年Did anybody proofread this article? How can magnetite be harder than hematite when you're writing the same numbers down. Also density and magnetite and hematite have the exact same numbers how can magnetite be more dense? These numbers make no sense.