DESCRIPTION:
Hematite, also called Kidney Ore, is one of several common iron minerals that appears black in color, and sometimes silver, gray, brown, and red. Hematite is brittle, yet harder than pure iron. Usually found in places where there is water, and particularly in areas where hot springs are found. There are forms of hematite that result from volcanic activity without any water.
COMMONLY FOUND:
Hematite can be found in England, Switerland, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and in the Lake Superior region (Upper Michigan) of the United States.
INTERESTING FACTS:
The word hematite comes originally from the Greek work (haima), which means blood. This makes sense due to the fact that the mineral is very often blood-like red in color. The mineral is also used as a pigment in paints.
