Why is hematite grey/silver?

Question

Hematite is composed of Iron (III) Oxide, which is red. Now i know that there is red hematite, but it seems that it is more commonly gray or silver colored. How can this be?

Answer 1

There are several varieties of hematite.  All have the same basic chemical composition (Fe2O3) but the varieties differ in the impurities that are present.  Those impurities include Ti, Al, Mn, H2O.

The differences in color of these varieties are due to the impurities. The variety known as Specularite is a micaceous or flaky stone that is sparkling silver gray and sometimes used as an ornamental stone.

To read about Specularite, go to:

http://www.mindat.org/min-5574.html