HEMATINE

Hand carved hematine intaglio

Species:  Hematine
​​Mohs Hardness:  5.5 to 6.5 out of 10
Color:  Opaque dark gray to black with metallic polish luster.  May show reddish color at fracture surfaces.
RI:  OTL
Birefringence:  0.280 (usually not detectable)
SR/DR/AGG:  Too opaque to test
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  5.20 (+0.08/-0.25)

Hematine Facts

Hematine hardstone cameo

Hematine has a mirror-like, metallic chrome luster when polished.

Hematine can be slightly magnetic.

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)