Wishlist
Shopping Bag:
0845 680 6848 
Hematite
Hematite is the mineral form of iron oxide. It varies considerably in compactness and form. The hematite used as a gemstone in fine jewellery is the hardest and most compact form. This is black and becomes red when crushed or powdered. Click here to view hematite jewellery at Astley Clarke. It is also red in its less compact forms. In fact, the name hematite comes from the Greek word for blood, haima, since it can be red. It shares this root with words such as hemoglobin and hemophilia.
Hematite is often carved as a cameo or a seal and is commonly seen in antique rings with an intaglio carving of a helmeted warrior's head. It is also popularly faceted, and then resembles a black diamond. Since it is opaque, and only very little light is able to pass through the stone, only the top of the stone is faceted while the bottom of the stone is usually left flat.
Huge deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Grey hematite is usually found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park in the Western United States. The mineral can precipitate out of water and collect in layers at the bottom of a lake, spring, or other standing water. However, hematite can also occur without water, as the result of volcanic activity.
The vivid color of hematite powder means it is particularly effective when used as a pigment.
Ancient superstition held that hematite was formed when the blood from battles poured into the ground.
One of the main sources is Cleator Moor in Cumbria, England, but it is also found in Mexico, Brazil, Australia, the Swiss Alps, Germany, Scandinavia, and the USA.
Click here to view Contemporary Designer Jewellery at Astley Clarke
Hematite is often carved as a cameo or a seal and is commonly seen in antique rings with an intaglio carving of a helmeted warrior's head. It is also popularly faceted, and then resembles a black diamond. Since it is opaque, and only very little light is able to pass through the stone, only the top of the stone is faceted while the bottom of the stone is usually left flat.
Huge deposits of hematite are found in banded iron formations. Grey hematite is usually found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park in the Western United States. The mineral can precipitate out of water and collect in layers at the bottom of a lake, spring, or other standing water. However, hematite can also occur without water, as the result of volcanic activity.
The vivid color of hematite powder means it is particularly effective when used as a pigment.
Ancient superstition held that hematite was formed when the blood from battles poured into the ground.
One of the main sources is Cleator Moor in Cumbria, England, but it is also found in Mexico, Brazil, Australia, the Swiss Alps, Germany, Scandinavia, and the USA.
Click here to view Contemporary Designer Jewellery at Astley Clarke
