Comparison · Minerals
Cassiterite vs Hematite
Cassiterite and Hematite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Cassiterite and Hematite
- Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Cassiterite leaves a white to grayish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Hematite leaves red to reddish-brown.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Cassiterite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 6.8–7.1 versus 5.3 for Hematite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Cassiterite is Translucent to opaque, Hematite is opaque.
- They overlap in black, red, and gray, but Cassiterite also comes in brown and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Cassiterite is Tetragonal, Hematite is trigonal.
Cassiterite vs Hematite properties
| Property | Cassiterite | Hematite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | 6 |
| Luster | Adamantine to submetallic | metallic |
| Streak | White to grayish brown | Red to reddish-brown |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 6.8–7.1 | 5.3 |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | Brown, Black, Reddish brown, Yellow, Gray | Metallic Gray, Black, Red |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$50+ |
Which is more valuable?
Cassiterite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Cassiterite can reach $150 or more.
About Cassiterite
Cassiterite is tin oxide, SnO2, and has been the principal ore of tin since the Bronze Age. It crystallizes in the tetragonal system, typically as reddish-brown to black prismatic or pyramidal crystals with an adamantine luster and exceptionally high density for a nonmetallic-looking mineral. Its resistance to weathering means it survives erosion intact and concentrates in stream gravels as placer tin.
About Hematite
Hematite is the most important iron ore mineral. Its name comes from the Greek word for blood, referring to its red streak.
Cassiterite vs Hematite FAQ
Is Cassiterite the same as Hematite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Cassiterite from Hematite?
Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Cassiterite leaves a white to grayish brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Hematite leaves red to reddish-brown. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Cassiterite or Hematite?
Cassiterite is harder: Mohs 6–7 against Mohs 6 for Hematite.
Which is more valuable, Cassiterite or Hematite?
Cassiterite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $20 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Cassiterite can reach $150 or more.
