Magnetic Hematite
Magnetic Hematite is sintered ferrite ceramic, (barium/strontium ferrite). In the hand, it rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs steel gray and gunmetal. Mirror-gray 'hematite' that snaps firmly to a magnet, real hematite never does; the material is factory ferrite. Factory-sintered ceramic magnet material, pressed and polished.
The geology.
Magnetic Hematite carries the formula (barium/strontium ferrite). It belongs to the, (polycrystalline ceramic) system. Its listing category is sintered ferrite ceramic.
It sits at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads metallic. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 4.7 to 5.1. The streak is dark gray to brown-black. It breaks with granular fracture.
Mirror-gray 'hematite' that snaps firmly to a magnet, real hematite never does; the material is factory ferrite.
It turns up mostly as beads, 'singing magnets', rings or tumbled-look pieces.
The origins.
Factory-sintered ceramic magnet material, pressed and polished.
On value, the database notes: very affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, sold with hematite's grounding lore plus 'magnet therapy' claims, it is engineered ceramic, and the health claims lack evidence.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Mirror-gray 'hematite' that snaps firmly to a magnet, real hematite never does; the material is factory ferrite.
This IS the impostor: most magnetic 'hematite' jewelry contains zero hematite.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Hematite | Genuine hematite is non-magnetic and streaks rusty red-brown |
| Magnetite | Magnetite is natural and magnetic but forms rough octahedral crystals, not molded beads |
| Galena | Galena is much heavier and breaks into cubes |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about magnetic hematite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Magnet test | strong attraction = man-made |
| By eye | Streak is dark gray-brown, not hematite's red-brown |
| Look for bubbles | Molded uniform shapes with seam lines on some beads |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with granular fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
Strong magnets are dangerous if swallowed, keep beads away from young children and pets.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (barium/strontium ferrite). Crystal system:, (polycrystalline ceramic). Specific gravity: 4.7 to 5.1. Streak: Dark gray to brown-black. Cleavage and fracture: Granular fracture.
How it reaches the market
Factory-sintered ceramic magnet material, pressed and polished.
What it gets confused with
Hematite: Genuine hematite is non-magnetic and streaks rusty red-brown. Magnetite: Magnetite is natural and magnetic but forms rough octahedral crystals, not molded beads. Galena: Galena is much heavier and breaks into cubes.
What it is worth
Very affordable.
Where buyers get caught
This IS the impostor: most magnetic 'hematite' jewelry contains zero hematite.
One more thing
The 'singing magnets' that buzz when tossed together are this exact material, a loud clue it isn't natural stone.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock magnetic hematite. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
Explore the Crystal Guide