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crystals,
gems and minerals
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Hematite
This specimen consists of a nice size
hematite matrix containing a pocket filled
with specularite crystals. Collected in the
Florence Mine, Egremont, Cumbria.
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Scientific:
Hematite is an important
ore of iron and its blood red color (in the
powdered form) lends itself well in use as a
pigment. Hematite gets its name from the
Greek hema for blood, as in hemoglobin,
because of the color of its powder. (In some
countries it is called 'bloodstone'.)
Ancient superstition held that large
deposits of hematite formed from battles
that were fought and the subsequent blood
that flowed into the ground. Crystals of
Hematite are considered rare and are sought
after by collectors, as are fine Kidney Ore
specimens. Hematite was so named because of
the fact that when cut, the saw coolant
becomes blood red.
In mineralogy, well-crystallized hematite
varieties are called iron luster, finely
crystallized ones red iron ore or red
ironstone, and radial aggregates are called
red glass head. When cut into very thin
plates, hematite is red and transparent;
when polished, it is metallic and shiny.
Hematite, with its high iron content is a
very useful mineral. Its chemical
composition contains a high percentage of
Iron (70%) and it is the primary ore used to
create Iron. |
"Kidney ore", a variety of Hematite that
takes on a botryoidal habit. Location:
Cumbria, England.
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Hematite
has several varieties, each with their own
unique names.
Hematite Rose is a circular arrangement of
bladed crystals giving the appearance of the
flower of a rose.
Tiger Iron is a sedimentary deposit of
approximately 2.2 billion years old that
consists of alternating layers of silver
gray hematite and red jasper, chert or even
tiger eye quartz.
Kidney Ore is the massive botryoidal form
and gives the appearance of lumpy
kidney-like masses.
Oolitic Hematite is a sedimentary formation
that has a reddish brown color and an earthy
luster and is composed of small rounded
grains.
Specularite, or Specular Hematite, is a
micaceous or flaky stone that is sparkling
silver gray, sometimes used as an ornamental
stone, and is used for jewelry as "Alaska
Black Diamond". Specular hematite's
beautiful rainbow colors (mostly blues,
greens, and purples) catch you off guard -
you just don't expect it from such a "dark"
and opaque material. It is difficult to find
specular material that is strong enough to
withstand the wear and tear of being worn,
but it does exist. |
botryoidal hematite Location: Sahara Desert,
Morroco
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Hematite
is something of a European stone in that it
comes from England, Germany, Norway, Sweden,
and Spain. It also comes from Brazil, New
Zealand, and a number of locations here in
the U.S.
There are a number of imitators, probably
the best known being hematine. This is a
mixture of stainless steel and sulfides of
chromium and nickel. It has a similar red
streak, but is quite magnetic (hematite is
not). |
Specular Hematite Location: Brazil
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First used
as mourning jewelry, it is now used for
creating engravings, cameos, cabochons,
beads and imitation diamonds. Opaque
hematite has been faceted in small stones
and used as a diamond imitator in older
pieces (similar to the use of marcasite).
Faceted transparent gems are virtually
unknown because in order to be transparent,
the material must be so thin as to be
unworkable.
Being an iron oxide, hematite (particularly
specular) is somewhat subject to rusting.
Chemical Composition: Fe2O3, Iron Oxide
Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 |
Red Quartz Location: Spain
This is quartz with hematite.
Chemical Composition: SiO2 and Fe2O3
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History:
Native Americans used
hematite to make the red face paint called
red ochre.
Hematite (along with carnelian and jasper;
red stones) was once used to prevent
bleeding.
Hematite was used in seals as early as 2500
B.C.
The ancient
Egyptians used Hematite in the creation of
their magical amulets such as the carpenter
square and headrest amulets and several
heart amulets. 4 of the 47 heart amulets in
the Cairo Museum were hematite. It was used
as an inscription stone for passages from
the Book of the Dead. The ancient Egyptians
used it to treat hysteria, to reduce
inflammation, and to place in tombs. |
Harlequin quartz sphere This is quartz with
hematite.
Chemical Composition: SiO2 and Fe2O3
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Engraved
hematite seals have been found in the ruins
of ancient Babylon.
Known as the gift of Russian royalty, Lord
Baranof once presented hematite rings and
pendants to the Royal Family of Czar
Alexander I as gifts from his Alaskan
subjects.
Until recently blusher contained ground
hematite, the same mineral that was used to
impart a reddish tint to skin tones in past
millennia. |
botryoidal hematite from Mexico
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Lore:
Hematite relates to Mars, the Roman God of
War. The Romans glorified Mars more than the
Greeks did, who loathed him and knew him as
Ares. Warriors in Roman times used Hematite
as protection during battle. So strong was
their belief in the power of Hematite to
protect them that they thought it could even
make them invincible.
Hematite was used by Galen for inflamed
eyelids and headaches, and by Pliny for
blood disorders. Azchalias asserted that
Hematite, when used as a talisman, procured
for the wearer a favorable hearing of
petitions addressed to kings and a fortunate
issue of lawsuits and judgments. |
carved hematite skulls
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Metaphysical:
Hematite is the "Stone of mental mastery."
It aids clarity, balance, and calm reason,
thus making it a very grounding stone. It
helps dissolve negativity, and transforms it
into Love. It assists one in creating
peaceful, loving, kind relationships.
Because of its powers to calm and reduce
stress, Hematite is often recommended by
Crystal Healers as an aid in bringing about
sound sleep by creating a calm, meditative
state within in the mind. Further, they
credit it with healing the effects of Jet
lag and eliminating worry, which can cause
insomnia, resulting in a happier person more
in touch with his or her inner self.
Hematite is said to enhance one's physical
energy and vitality, and to calm emotions
and boost self-esteem. It is also said to
enhance memory and intellect. |
hematite sphere Location: Minas Gerais,
Brazil
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Hematite
is said to help strengthen the circulatory
system and to help in the treatment of blood
and kidney disorders.
Hematite has long been associated with
psychic awareness. In addition, some people
believe that it assists in astral travel.
"For scrying: In a darkened room, light a
red candle. Settle before it and hold a
large piece of hematite so that the candle's
flame is reflected on it. Gaze at the
reflection and visualize a question. The
answer will come to you." (Cunningham)
Hematite is said to be a principal blood
purifier among stone healers. It can be
placed anywhere on the body for this
purpose, or worn as a ring, pendant or
necklace for continuous healing. Shamans
historically have believed that hematite,
placed over the location of an illness, will
draw the "spirit" of the illness out of the
patient and into itself. |
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Teresa's Rock of the Week, formerly Gail's Rock of the Week |
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