Quartz with Hematite: Metallic Iron-Oxide Associations Explained

Quartz and hematite can create striking specimens because the glassy luster of quartz contrasts with dark metallic or reddish iron-oxide material.

What hematite looks like

Hematite can appear metallic gray to black, earthy red or as thin coatings and inclusions. Specular hematite has a reflective metallic appearance that is especially dramatic beside clear quartz.

A catalog example

Our current 0.9 oz Brazilian specimen combines a slender terminated quartz crystal with metallic hematite.

View the quartz and hematite specimen.

What collectors examine

Look at how naturally the minerals are intergrown, whether the quartz termination is intact, the luster of the hematite and the overall balance of the specimen.

Explore more Brazil mineral specimens.