Hematite
Hematite (or 'Haematite') is a compact type of iron oxide which owes its name to the red colour of the powdered mineral, which resembles dried blood. The German name for Hematite is 'blutstein,' meaning bloodstone, and it has a similar derivation, but this term is confusing, for the English Bloodstone is a variety of green Chalcedony flecked with red spots of Jasper. Hematite is found in various states of compactness, from a soft, red paint ore, which was used by early American Indians to adorn their faces before battle and continues to be used today as a pigment, to the most compact form of the mineral, which is cut for jewellery.
Hematite Hematite 5.5 - 6.5
Silvery black in color, also found in opaque red or red brown colors
- Highly polished hematite was once used for making mirrors
- Hematite is thought to protect against unionized radiation, and therefore a good stone to wear when working around computers
- Crystal hearlers use hematite for any disorder of the blood, as well as for leg cramps and insomnia.
- Hematite is thought of as the "stone of the mind" bringing clarity of thought to the wearer.
- Hematite is said to relieve hemorrhages, aid in lowering high blood pressure, helps with depression, and is a general pain reliever. There are some that claim that it draws out inflammation and is especially good for rubbing on sore muscles.
HEMATITE AND LODESTONE - GEMSTONE COUSINS
Similarities
Both of these black or very dark gray minerals look quite similar. They are shiny, similar in color and both made of iron oxide - magnetite.
Hematite
Hematite is silvery black in color and is made of iron oxide. It is also found in opaque red or red brown colors. It is normally found in a smooth stone, but when faceted is known as a "black diamond." It will streak red when rubbed on a harder stone. Unlike lodestone, it is not magnetic.
Lodestone
Lodestone is also made from iron oxide and it does have magnetic qualities in its natural state. It is black in color, usually without the silvery tint. It is commonly found throughout the world and is 6.0 on the Moh's scale of hardness.
Use of Hematite and Lodestone in Jewellery
The height of hematite's popularity in jewelry was in Europe during the Victorian era. It has also seen a strong resurgence in North America, especially in the western United States. Due to it delicate nature, the mineral is found only in precious jewelry.
Loading... 