RocksdayGoethite vs Hematite
How to tell them apart
An iron oxyhydroxide forming dark bubbly or velvety masses, and the main component of rust.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Iron oxide and the world's most important iron ore. It can be shiny steel-gray or earthy red, but always leaves a reddish streak.
Photo: Wikipedia Loves Art participant "Assignment_Houston_One", CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick tests
- Streak (rub on unglazed porcelain): Goethite leaves a yellowish brown streak; Hematite leaves reddish brown.
- Heft: Hematite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 5.26 vs 3.3–4.3).
- Luster: Hematite looks metallic; Goethite doesn't.
Key differences
- Hematite leaves a red streak.
Side by side
| Property | Goethite | Hematite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 5–5.5 | 5.5–6.5 |
| Luster | Adamantine to silky | Metallic to earthy |
| Streak | Yellowish brown | Reddish brown |
| Colors | Brown, Black, Yellow | Silver, Black, Red |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Trigonal |
| Specific gravity | 3.3–4.3 | 5.26 |
| Formula | FeO(OH) | Fe₂O₃ |
| Found in | Pikes Peak, Colorado; Cornwall, England | Lake Superior iron ranges; Carajás, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify goethite
- Black-brown botryoidal masses, often with iridescent tarnish.
- Yellow-brown streak.
- Radiating fibers when broken.
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Full Goethite guide →How to identify hematite
- Reddish-brown streak — the key test, even on silvery pieces.
- Heavy for its size.
- Not magnetic (or only weakly).
- Sometimes forms bubbly 'kidney ore' masses.
Crystal system: Trigonal
Full Hematite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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