Comparison · Minerals vs Oxide Minerals
Hematite vs Ilmenite
Hematite and Ilmenite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6, 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 Hematite and Ilmenite
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Hematite leaves a red to reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Ilmenite leaves black to brownish red.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Hematite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 5.3 versus 4.7 for Ilmenite).
- They overlap in black, but Hematite also comes in gray and red and Ilmenite also comes in brown.
Hematite vs Ilmenite properties
| Property | Hematite | Ilmenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Oxide Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 5.5 |
| Luster | metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Red to reddish-brown | Black to brownish red |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | Metallic Gray, Black, Red | Black, Iron-black, Brownish black |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$50+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Ilmenite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Ilmenite can reach $200 or more.
About Hematite
Hematite is the most important iron ore mineral. Its name comes from the Greek word for blood, referring to its red streak.
About Ilmenite
Ilmenite is an iron titanium oxide and the most important ore of titanium. It typically forms black, weakly magnetic, metallic to submetallic grains and tabular crystals in igneous rocks and heavy mineral sands.
Hematite vs Ilmenite FAQ
Is Hematite the same as Ilmenite?
No. Hematite is a mineral while Ilmenite is a oxide mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Hematite from Ilmenite?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Hematite leaves a red to reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Ilmenite leaves black to brownish red. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Hematite or Ilmenite?
Hematite is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 5.5 for Ilmenite.
Which is more valuable, Hematite or Ilmenite?
Ilmenite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Ilmenite can reach $200 or more.
