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- 1. Hematite
- 2. The History and Meaning of Hematite
- 3. Physicochemical Properties of Hematite
- 4. Types of Hematite
- 5. Healing Properties of Hematite
- 6. Metaphysical Properties of Hematite
- 7. Hematite for Sale
Hematite
Although hematite is associated with blood, you shouldn’t confuse it with bloodstone. It hides a red streak behind its metallic luster. The stone is known since antiquity but its aesthetic and decorative qualities had been underappreciated for a long time. If you enjoy impressive-looking gems with powerful positive vibrations, you should give hematite a chance.
The History and Meaning of Hematite
The mineral received its current name in the third century BC. It was suggested by the Greek poet and philosopher Theophrastus who noticed the similarity between the stone and blood. The Greek ‘hematos’ means blood. Such associations have a reason - in addition to the bloody tint the mineral showcases, it is able to turn the water red. Ancient Romans believed that hematite was petrified blood, and it could be found at the sites of battles and sacrifices.
Warriors and knights relied on the stone as a protective amulet. Before a battle, they put on hematite objects to avoid injuries, as well as to enhance their strength, courage, and faith in victory.
In Egypt, the mineral was considered the stone of Isis, the goddess of life. It was credited with the ability to ward off demons and evil spirits. The North American Indians used hematite powder to apply warlike designs to their skin.
Ancient times were the golden age of hematite jewelry. Items crafted from the mineral had not only an aesthetic purpose but also magical properties since they were supposed to protect their wearers from diseases and witchcraft. Sorcerers, witches, and shamans had hematite mirrors which helped them build tunnels connecting the worlds of the living and the dead.
The unique mineral with a metallic luster was very popular during the Middle Ages. Alchemy and magic rituals couldn’t do without the mineral. The stone established itself as a conductor of superpowers. With hematite, it was possible to recognize the signs of fate and subjugate other people to one’s will.
Physicochemical Properties of Hematite
Hematite is one of the mineral varieties of iron oxide. Most specimens are black, gray, or brown with a statement metallic sheen. Cryptocrystalline varieties of the stone have a cherry color. Hematite is formed during weathering and oxidation of iron-bearing rocks in mountainous areas.
The gem’s appearance is very similar to obsidian and jet but it is much denser and heavier than these stones. At the same time, hematite is fragile and cannot be struck or dropped. Because of its hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, it can be scratched by other minerals.
A distinctive feature of the stone is the red streak meaning it will leave a mark when you rub it against a hard white surface. In addition, if the mineral is heated to a high temperature, its color turns blood red. Hematite can also change its color under the influence of oxygen. If it becomes orange or reddish, this is a sign of iron oxidation.
Since the content of iron in the chemical composition of hematite exceeds 70%, the stone exhibits magnetic properties. Although they are not particularly pronounced, a strong magnet is able to attract the mineral.
Hematite Quartz
Types of Hematite
Iron mica (specularite, specular hematite) is a flaky variety of hematite. It is distinguished by a fine crystalline structure and gray, almost black, color with a greasy steel sheen. It is a fairly dense mineral with the highest hardness among its peers.
Kidney ore is a mineral aggregate consisting of kidney-shaped nodules. It has a black color with a red tint and a shiny surface.
Iron rose is intergrown lamellar crystals of hematite resembling the petals of a rose.
Martite is the so-called pseudomorph (false form) of magnetite. These black crystals have the form of octahedrons or rhombic dodecahedrons. Martite is the component of iron ores in ferruginous quartzite deposits.
Iron or red ocher is loose, earthy, powdery hematite, predominantly red in color.
Hematite quartz is a rather rare rock that is basically clear quartz with inclusions of hematite. Hematite with quartz is found in Madagascar and Brazil.
Maghemite has the same chemical formula as hematite but a spinel-like structure. This mineral is ferromagnetic.
Hydrohematite is a mineral containing water (up to 8%). It forms clusters looking like tree buds.
Iron Mica
Healing Properties of Hematite
In ancient times, it was believed that hematite could affect the flow of blood and change its composition. It comes as no surprise that various cultures associated the gem with blood. Its healing abilities are fully manifested in the period of recovery after operations or serious illnesses. Besides improving the composition of blood, it eliminates the deficiency of trace elements as well as removes free radicals and toxins. You can also use the stone to maintain the normal operation of the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
Other healing properties of hematite are as follows:
• normalizes blood pressure;
• promotes bone marrow regeneration;
• fights against disorders of the genitourinary system;
• stops uterine bleeding, relieves period pain, contributes to the normal course of pregnancy, and increases lactation;
• improves metabolic processes;
• relieves nervous tension, increase stress resistance, normalizes sleep, and charges with optimism;
• helps quit bad habits and addictions;
• slows down the growth of tumors.
Metaphysical Properties of Hematite
The stone helps confident people who set ambitious goals and work hard to accomplish them. It is most suitable for people with a sanguine disposition because their emotions are governed by blood.
Hematite is a symbol of courage and vitality. Many sorcerers and witches, whose strength depends on the element of Earth, use hematite-embellished knives. One can take advantage of the protective properties of the mineral since the young age. If you put hematite in a cradle, it will safeguard a child from the evil eye, curses, and misfortune.
The best setting for the mineral is brass and silver since they maximize its protective capabilities. Along with that, if you’re going to use the stone in ceremonial magic or witchcraft, it’s best to opt for copper or bronze settings. When it comes to hematite rings, men should wear them on their right hand to boost their virility. Women who flaunt rings on their left hand can develop their intuition. On top of that, hematite body ornaments promote vitality, charge with positive emotions, and improve mood.
Hematite for Sale
Hematite is a mineral that can’t be ignored. Thanks to its decorative, healing, and metaphysical properties, it lends plenty of benefits. And with KenKenGems, you can benefit from a huge selection of hematite beads and loose stones of countless shapes and sizes. We supply natural hematite stones as well as coated with gold and iridescent metals. Gemstones from our online store always blend excellent quality with nice prices.
