Maghemite is a ferrimagnetic iron oxide that typically forms as an alteration product of magnetite or other iron minerals during weathering or low-temperature oxidation. It is visually indistinguishable from magnetite and hematite without laboratory analysis, but it can be identified by its strong magnetic properties and distinctive reddish-brown streak.
Is this maghemite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch maghemite with a known reference. Maghemite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maghemite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Maghemite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular, pseudomorphs after magnetite.
Often confused with
Maghemite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Maghemite leaves brown, Magnetite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Maghemite leaves brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Maghemite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside maghemite
Minerals reported to co-occur with maghemite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- γ-Fe₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Pseudomorphs After Magnetite
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Veins and Weathered Iron Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find maghemite
Classic worldwide localities
- Iron Mountain Mine, California, USA
- Krivoy Rog, Ukraine
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal veins and weathered iron deposits country, the host setting where maghemite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, hematite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, pseudomorphs after magnetite habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find maghemite on the map
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