Comparison · Minerals vs Metals & Alloys
Hematite vs Tungsten
Hematite and Tungsten are easy to confuse. Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Hematite (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Hematite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Hematite and Tungsten
- Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Hematite (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Hematite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Streak color differs: Hematite leaves a red to reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Tungsten leaves gray.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Tungsten feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 19.25 versus 5.3 for Hematite).
- They overlap in gray, but Hematite also comes in black and red.
Hematite vs Tungsten properties
| Property | Hematite | Tungsten |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Metals & Alloys |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 7.5 |
| Luster | metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Red to reddish-brown | Gray |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 5.3 | 19.25 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | varies |
| Common colors | Metallic Gray, Black, Red | Dark gray, Steel gray, Silver-gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$50+ | $5–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Tungsten is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Tungsten can reach $600 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 Tungsten
Tungsten is an extremely dense gray metal used in rings, weights, tools, electrodes, cutting materials, and high-temperature applications.
Hematite vs Tungsten FAQ
Is Hematite the same as Tungsten?
No. Hematite is a mineral while Tungsten is a metals & alloy. Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Hematite (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Hematite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Hematite from Tungsten?
Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Hematite (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Hematite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Streak color differs: Hematite leaves a red to reddish-brown streak on unglazed porcelain, Tungsten leaves gray. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Hematite or Tungsten?
Tungsten is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 6 for Hematite.
Which is more valuable, Hematite or Tungsten?
Tungsten is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $10 for Hematite, and premium Tungsten can reach $600 or more.
