Hematite, also spelled hæmatite, is the mineral form of Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), one of several iron oxides. Hematite crystallizes in the rhombohedral system, and it has the same crystal structure as ilmenite and as corundum. Hematite and ilmenite form a complete solid solution at temperatures above 950°C.
Hematite (kidney ore) from Michigan (unknown scale)Hematite is a very common mineral, colored black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish brown, or red. It is mined as the main ore of iron. Varieties include kidney ore, martite (pseudomorphs after magnetite), iron rose and specularite (specular hematite). While the forms of hematite vary, they all have a rust-red streak. Hematite is harder than pure iron, but much more brittle.
Huge deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Grey hematite is typically found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone. The mineral can precipitate out of water and collect in layers at the bottom of a lake, spring, or other standing water. Hematite can also occur without water, however, usually as the result of volcanic activity.
Clay-sized hematite crystals can also occur as a secondary mineral formed by weathering processes in soil, and along with other iron oxides or oxyhydroxides such as goethite, is responsible for the red color of many tropical, ancient, or otherwise highly weathered soils.
Sdl's project in cameroon is high in hematite and hematite is the red ore that Rio and Bhp have and ship of to china.
THIS IS THE GOOD STUFF...
On another note, Fmg is currently taking bhp to the high courts to get access to the rail system. Fmg is a thorn in Bhp's side and I wouldn't mind betting that Bhp is having a look at Fdl just to return the favour, if you know what I mean. If Fmg want Fdl, it's going to have to pay a premium. This game is just warming up....
FDL
flinders diamonds limited
