1. n. [Drilling Fluids]
The mineral form of ferric oxide [Fe2O3]. The hematite ore used as a weighting material in drilling muds has a mica-like crystal structure that grinds to particle size suitable for use in drilling fluids. To check for potential wear, an abrasion test is usually run on hematite as a quality control pilot test.
See related terms: high-gravity solids, iron oxide, mud additive, siderite, unweighted mud, water, oil, and solids test, weighted mud
