Hematite Vs. Jasper

Hematite is a very popular mineral composed of iron oxide.^[1] Jasper is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is silicon dioxide.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Hematite and Jasper

For a quick recap of the differences hematite and jasper:

• While both hematite and jasper can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, hematite can be trigonal.
• For chemical formulas, hematite is Fe2O3 while jasper is SiO2.
• While both hematite and jasper can be dull, in terms of luster, hematite can be metallic and jasper can be vitreous or waxy.
• Hematite streaks brown, red, red reddish, reddish or reddish brown while jasper streaks white.
• While both hematite and jasper can be commonly red, hematite is often brown or gray.
• Hematite's specific gravity is higher than jasper - hematite ranges from 4.95 to 5.26 and jasper ranges from 2.55 to 2.91.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Hematite and Jasper

The similarities of hematite and jasper include:

• Hematite and jasper both are opaque.
• Hematite's rarity is similar to jasper.
• Hematite's hardness overlaps with jasper - hematite ranges from 5 to 6.5 and jasper ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Hematite

Hematite is a mineral that is commonly found in the Earth's crust. It is a form of iron oxide, and it is known for its metallic luster and reddish-brown color. Hematite is often used in jewelry and other decorative items due to its unique appearance. It is also used in the production of iron and steel, as well as in pigments and coatings.

Summary of Jasper

Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.

Table Comparison of Hematite vs Jasper