Mineral Factbook

Specularite

Varietyof Hematite

Specularite is platy hematite with a metallic, mirror-like luster. As a variety of Hematite, it shares that species' composition (Fe2O3), crystal structure, and hardness; the distinction is the appearance defined above.

Photos

Specularite specimen photo
James St. John · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Specularite specimen photo
James St. John · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Specularite specimen photo
James St. John · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Specularite specimen photo
Islam90 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

About Hematite

Full reference data — crystallography, X-ray diffraction, and cited physical properties — is on the Hematite species page.

FormulaFe2O3
Hardness (Mohs)5.5-6.5
Specific gravity4.9-5.5
Density (calculated)5.27
Crystal systemtrigonal
Color rangeblack, gray, red
Lustermetallic
Streakbrown, red