Hematite

Description

Hematite is a prevalent iron oxide mineral defined by the chemical composition Fe2O3. Structurally, it is classified as an alpha polymorph, characterized by a rhombohedral crystal lattice that mirrors the geometries of corundum and ilmenite. Its crystalline configuration allows for the formation of complete solid solutions when exposed to temperatures exceeding 950 °C. Beyond its primary industrial application in steel production, hematite is utilized in ceramic contexts in a finely ground state, serving as a critical source of iron for glazes and clay bodies. Its widespread occurrence in geological formations and soils makes it a significant mineralogical component in the study of earth materials and their thermal behavior within kiln environments.