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 — Maghemite leaves brown, Magnetite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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