What does hematite mean?
Hematite is a naturally occurring iron oxide mineral, chemically Fe₂O₃, and the principal ore from which iron is extracted. It can appear as black or steel-gray masses, glittering crystalline forms, brown earthy material, or reddish varieties. The word is most common in geology, mining, metallurgy, and mineral collecting, where the quality and form of hematite can be significant. Hematite has also long served as a pigment: reddish hematite contributes to red ochre, while darker forms have been used for black pigment. Its name reflects its history and appearance; the word comes through French and Latin from a Greek term associated with blood, probably because the mineral can leave a red stain when crushed. Consequently, hematite has a distinctive place both in the vocabulary of industrial resources and in the history of art and color-making.
nounA naturally occurring iron oxide mineral (Fe₂O₃) that is the principal ore of iron. It occurs in black, steel-gray, brown, and reddish forms and has also been used as a pigment.
- An iron oxide mineral, Fe₂O₃, occurring in various colors and forms and serving as a major source of iron.
- A reddish-brown or black pigment made from hematite or traditionally associated with it.
"The mine produced specimens of sparkling hematite alongside more ordinary iron ore."
"Iron miners followed the seam of hematite through the hillside."
"The artist mixed hematite pigment with earth tones to deepen the shadows."
The standard plural is hematites, although hematite is also commonly used as a mass noun when referring to the mineral generally.
"The collection includes polished hematites from several famous mining districts."
Hematite got its name from the Greek word for blood because its powdered red form stains the fingers, giving rise to the old name bloodstone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hematite come from?
The English word hematite comes through French hématite from Latin haematites, a mineral name derived from Greek haimatitēs, “bloodstone.” Greek haíma means “blood,” likely referring to the reddish color of some hematite when powdered or streaked. The ending is the mineral-forming suffix -ite, so the name is based on the mineral's blood-like appearance rather than on an ancient belief that it contained actual blood.
Related word forms
How hematite is actually used
Hematite is primarily a technical and geological term. In art and cultural contexts it may also refer to a pigment made from the mineral, especially the reddish material known as red ochre.
Easily confused with hematite
Hematite is an iron oxide mineral and important iron ore, whereas a hematoma is a swelling caused by a collection of blood.