Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mineral form of iron oxide: Hematite is the most important and abundant iron ore, consisting primarily of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) in a crystalline form.
   • A source of iron: It is the principal ore from which iron metal is extracted industrially.
   • Characteristic appearance: It often occurs with a reddish-brown color and can have a metallic to earthy luster.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The region is rich in hematite, which is mined for steel production.
  • The reddish color of the soil is due to the presence of hematite.
  • Under the microscope, the crystalline structure of hematite is visible.

Advanced Usage

• "Specular hematite": A variety of hematite with a shiny, mirror-like metallic luster.
  • The sample contained beautiful specular hematite, which reflected light like a mirror.
• "Red ochre": Refers to earthy, non-crystalline forms of hematite used historically as a pigment.
  • Ancient cave paintings were made using red ochre, a form of hematite.

Variants and Related Words

• Haematite: The British English spelling variant of "hematite".
  • The geological survey noted deposits of haematite.
• Ferric oxide: The chemical compound (Fe₂O₃) that constitutes hematite.
  • Hematite is composed of ferric oxide.

Synonyms

• Iron ore: A general term for rocks and minerals from which iron is extracted; hematite is a specific type.
• Red iron ore: A descriptive synonym highlighting its common color.

Related Terms and Phrases

• "Kidney ore": A botryoidal (globular) form of hematite that resembles kidneys.
  • The museum displayed a specimen of kidney ore, a form of hematite.
• "Martite": A pseudomorph of hematite after magnetite (another iron ore mineral).
  • The martite in this sample shows it was originally magnetite that transformed into hematite.

Noun

1. the principal form of iron ore; consists of ferric oxide in crystalline form; occurs in a red earthy form