Hematite stone - origin and properties, who suits, decorations and price

Hematite stone, figuratively referred to as the "black pearl" in the world of minerals, has been serving human society for many millennia. At the dawn of civilization, it was used for religious rites. Primitive people used it to create rock paintings, and today's artists paint with paints created on its basis. Hematite is widely used in many areas of human activity: jewelry, construction, iron production.

The name Hematite comes from the Greek “haimatos”, which means “blood”, the Slavs call the gem a bloodstone.

What is this stone

Hematite (or bloodstone) is a natural mineral of brown, gray or black color, characterized by the presence of a cold metallic luster.

Outwardly, hematite is extremely similar to black quartz, but it can be distinguished by its characteristic brilliance and extreme density.

Hematite is 70% iron, it is both hard and brittle at the same time.

This mineral becomes truly beautiful only after grinding. Jewelry from it fascinates with its mysterious mirror shine.

The description of hematite would be incomplete without mentioning its ability to leave a bright red line on a hard surface. In ancient times, this feature was used by magicians and charlatans. Today, it is perhaps the best way to determine the authenticity of a stone.

History of origin

In nature, hematite is unusually widespread, occurring in the form of significant accumulations and deposits of iron ores.

The formation of this mineral can be:

1. Metamorphic. In this case, hematite is obtained from limonite, which lies at great depths and is exposed to high temperatures and enormous pressure.
2. Contact-metamorphic, which is the product of limestone contact with hydrothermal solutions emanating from magma chambers.
3. The result of the oxidation of magnetite in the upper layers of magnetite deposits (this is how martite is obtained).
4. The consequence of chemical weathering of serpentinites and igneous rocks (if it occurs on their surface).
5. The result of isolation from hydrothermal solutions.
6. The consequence of the interaction of water vapor and the released ferric chloride in the process of volcanic activity. In this case, hematite is deposited on the surface of volcanic lavas or on the walls of craters.

The meaning of hematite stone

The importance of hematite in the history of mankind cannot be overestimated:

1. Powdered hematite has been used for thousands of years as an extremely durable red dye. It was he who was used by artists of primitive tribes to create primitive drawings on stone surfaces (cave walls, rocks and large stones) that have survived to this day.
2. Specularite (a black mica-like difference of bloodstone), which has an unusually strong metallic luster, was used by people of ancient tribes instead of a mirror.
3. A red hematite pigment was used by the Native American tribes to apply war paint to the body and face.
4. Craftsmen of Ancient Egypt obtained a pigment used in painting from earthy hematite, and amulets and precious jewelry were made from its dense aggregates and individual crystals.
5. Early Christians saw hematite as a symbol of the blood that Christ shed for the salvation of mankind.

Physical properties of hematite

1. Hematite is a mineral belonging to the class of oxides. It is one of the most important iron ores.
2. The luster of massive aggregates is semi-metallic; crystals have a metallic luster.
3. Hematite is opaque and brittle.
4. The hardness of the mineral on the Mohs scale is 5,5-6,5. Some varieties are endowed with medium hardness or can be soft.
5. The density of hematite is 4,9-5,3 g/cm³.
6. The characteristic color of the line is cherry red.
7. Hematite is devoid of cleavage. The cryptocrystalline varieties of the mineral at the break have an uneven-splintered surface, the crystalline varieties have a stepped-conchoidal or semi-conchoidal surface.
8. The color of hematite in crystals is from black to dark steel. The color of powdery and cryptocrystalline varieties is cherry red.
9. The mineral is non-magnetic.
10. Hematite dissolves very slowly in hydrochloric acid.
11. Water, in which hematite powder is diluted, acquires a dark red color, resembling blood.

Hematite deposits

Large industrial deposits of hematite are located on the territory of:

• Russia (in the Komi Republic, in the Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk regions, in Karelia);
• Europe (in Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Germany);
• Asian states (Mongolia, Iran, China);
• Africa (in South Africa, Morocco, Algeria);
• USA (Alaska and Michigan);
• Latin America (in Mexico);
• South America (in Brazil and Venezuela);
• Ukraine;
• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan;

Varieties of hematite

Hematite has the following morphological varieties:

1. Iron mica (or specularite) is a scaly mineral with a fine crystalline structure.
2. Bloodstone (or red glass head) - an ore with a shiny surface, painted red and characterized by kidney-shaped inclusions of hematite.
3. Iron rose - this concentric mineral aggregate, resembling a flower of the same name, consists of fused lamellar crystals. The structure is radially radiant.
4. Martite is a pseudomorphosis (the so-called aggregate or crystal that has taken a form that is not characteristic of this mineral) of hematite, formed as a result of the replacement of magnetite.
5. Hydrohematite is a mineral that contains a certain amount of water.
6. Iron sheen is a variety of black or dark steel color, consisting of large crystals.
7. Red ocher is a soft, powdery red-colored mineral.
8. Iron sour cream is a soft, scaly cherry-red mineral that is easily soiled and greasy to the touch.

Magical properties

1. The magical properties of hematite have been used since time immemorial by shamans and sorcerers who performed rituals designed to attract wealth and good luck, as well as helping to predict the future.
2. In the old days, warriors who went to war hung hematite (spoiled from wounds and bullets) around their necks, hid it in shoes or sewn it into military vestments. It was believed that this stone was able not only to endow them with extraordinary strength and courage, but also to make them invulnerable in battle.
3. Due to the ability to envelop the astral body with a protective cocoon, hematite is able to protect its owner from all sorts of misfortunes, diseases and dark forces.
4. Wearing hematite promotes the development of intuition, keeps the owner of the stone from making momentary decisions and committing irresponsible acts.
5. Being a very strong stone, hematite contributes to the career growth of its owner, nourishing him with his energy and supporting all his undertakings.

Talismans and charms

To understand whether the bloodstone is suitable as a talisman, you need to hold it in your hands for several minutes. Feeling a surge of positive energy, there is no doubt that this particular stone will become a reliable friend, fulfilling innermost desires.

What you need to know:

1. Bloodstone, worn as a talisman, should have a frame made of silver or brass, since these metals contribute to the maximum disclosure of the possibilities of this stone.
2. In order for a ring with hematite to bring luck and happiness, men should wear it on the index finger of the right hand, and women on the left hand.
3. Hematite bracelet enhances sexuality, making its owner more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex.
4. Hematite, which gives courage and courage, will be a good amulet for women and men whose work is related to protecting the lives of other people (doctors, military, rescuers, firefighters).
5. Hematite, which is a symbol of motherhood, should be worn by expectant mothers in the form of a pendant: it will help both the mother and her child avoid dangerous injuries.
6. A hematite bracelet is a good amulet that can save its owner from unreasonable fears and protect against unwanted outside influences.
7. Bloodstone can be used as a powerful talisman that can protect a sleeping baby.
8. A hematite amulet worn to protect against damage or the evil eye is recommended to be carried with you for no more than 7 days. After this time, the mineral needs energy cleaning.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of hematite can be used to:

• losing weight;
• normalization of kidney function;
• restoration of the reproductive system;
• treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• restoration of bone marrow tissue;
• immunity strengthening;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• stop uterine bleeding;
• decreased sensitivity during painful periods;
• improvement of lactation;
• stimulation of the process of blood renewal;
• getting rid of bad habits;
• normalization of sleep;
• relieve nervous tension;
• providing an antitumor effect (a therapeutic effect occurs if a stone is placed on the projection of the affected organ).

Given the strong energy of the stone, which affects the human biofield and his body, lithotherapists recommend not to keep it with you all the time.

Who is suitable for the sign of the zodiac

Before using a bloodstone, you need to know its astrological properties, which horoscopes it is combined with and who should avoid it.

Zodiac sign	Compatibility
Aries	This zodiac sign often lives in a state of stress, as he is simply not interested in a quiet life. The talisman will help prevent overstrain and "burnout" of such people.
Taurus	The mineral helps the calf to gain inspiration in creative processes and regain a sense of harmony with oneself.
Gemini	Astrologers do not advise representatives of this sign to wear a bloodstone.
Cancer	The crystal enhances the passion and tension of the nervous system, which negatively affects cancers. It was noted that under the influence of hematite, crayfish improve their own aura and can manipulate people.
a lion	For lions, the use of a gem will help restore health and direct energy to the right, profitable business.
Virgo	Jewelry with a stone will help the representatives of this horoscope to gain self-confidence. They will reveal their sexuality and will be able to easily make acquaintances with the opposite sex.
Scales	Libra hematite promises success in all areas of life. They will begin to make wise decisions, men will become more attractive in the eyes of women.
Scorpio	Bloodstone gives Scorpions cunning and courage. Thanks to the mineral, they will be able to turn almost everything in their favor.
Sagittarius	The healing properties of the gem are in the improvement of the circulatory system, it saves its owner the archer from fits of rage and protects from envious people.
Capricorn	Bloodstone will help representatives of this sign to discover hidden, psychic abilities. Men gain self-confidence and become masculine.
Aquarius	The mineral helps the scales to determine their place in life. It helps to gain confidence and liberates people.
Pisces	For Pisces, the stone will strengthen health and add courage, which, as a result, will help them express themselves.

Bloodstone is considered especially useful for some earth signs. So that it can be worn by representatives of the "water" signs, it is recommended to put it under running water for 10 minutes, then wipe it off and attach it to the body so that it takes over the energy of the owner.

People born under the other constellations of the zodiac circle will benefit from wearing hematite, you just need to remember that the stone should be removed from time to time and subjected to energy cleaning.

Adherents of numerology claim that the bloodstone has a positive effect and brings good luck to people whose birthday falls on the 9th, 18th and 27th.

Jewelry with hematite

From hematite, which is both a jewelry and an ornamental stone, carvings (frames for mirrors, caskets), miniatures (most often animal figures) and all kinds of jewelry are often made:

1. Before falling into the hands of the master, the mineral is first polished and then polished for a long time, radically changing its color and acquiring an indescribable mirror shine.
2. Processed hematite is used to make rings, necklaces and bracelets, cut out inserts for brooches, rings and earrings, it is often used to inlay household items. Given the severity of the mineral, it is not used to create massive jewelry.
3. Most often, hematite is cut into a cabochon, giving it the shape of a regular semicircle on a flat base.
4. When creating men's jewelry, they resort to simple cutting and engraving.

Hematite ornamental stone is inexpensive, so the frame for it is made from equally accessible materials:

• become;
• cupronickel;
• titanium;
• metal imitating silver;
• inexpensive jewelry alloys.

Other uses of stone

Bloodstone is a sought-after material. It is used:

• for interior decoration;
• as a means of traditional medicine;
• for smelting pig iron (from iron ore);
• in the form of a mineral pigment for the manufacture of paints (tempera) and leads for red pencils;
• as a raw material in the production of oilcloth, enamels and linoleum;
• as an ornamental stone for creating carved miniatures.

Hematite price

Semi-precious hematite belongs to the category of inexpensive minerals; its price largely depends on the cut and the material used as a frame.

• The cost of hematite set in silver is 12-20 euros.
• For a rarer type of bloodstone (for example, an iron rose), the buyer will pay from 100 to 140 euros.
• The cost of tumbling (small stones similar to river pebbles) of hematite ranges from 0,5-1 euro per copy.
• For a bloodstone pendant, the seller may ask 3-5 euros.
• The cost of a ring carved from a bloodstone (without a frame) is 5-8 euros, and a necklace is 13-80 euros.

Caring for products with hematite

Being a fragile mineral, the bloodstone is afraid not only of shocks, but also of friction, so care must be taken with it:

1. Bloodstone should be worn with great care.
2. Bloodstone jewelry is undesirable to wear with other stones.
3. Once every four weeks, it is necessary to send the mineral to rest (within 2-3 days it should lie in the box).
4. To cleanse the accumulated negative energy, it is enough to hold the mineral under a stream of cool water, and then gently blot it with a soft cloth (for example, flannel).
5. On hot summer days, wearing hematite jewelry, one should not stay in the sun for a long time: a red-hot mineral can cause serious burns.

artificial hematite

There are two types of artificial hematites sold under brand names:

• hematin;
• hemalike.

The first of them - hematin - known to jewelers under the term "magnetic hematite", is an alloy made of steel and nickel and chromium sulfides.

This material, obtained in laboratories in the USA, is an identical analogue of the bloodstone, which has the same specific gravity, color and line color. The only difference is that hematin is attracted to even a weak magnet.

To obtain hemalika, crushed particles of natural hematite are mixed with an adhesive composition, after which the resulting mass is pressed under high temperature conditions. Hemalike lends itself perfectly to the cutting process and looks like a natural bloodstone.

Despite the high quality of synthetic analogues, they have not taken root in the Russian market due to the low cost of natural hematite.

How to distinguish from fakes

Counterfeits of hematite - due to its cheapness and availability - are quite rare. However, to verify the authenticity of the purchased mineral, you can:

• Run it over the surface of an unglazed ceramic plate. Natural hematite will certainly leave a bright line on it that has a red, pink or brown color.
• Use a magnet. Hematin - an artificial analogue of the mineral - will be attracted to even the weakest magnet. Natural stone is completely non-magnetic.
• Weigh the decoration. A product made of natural stone will be much heavier than a fake made of dark-colored ceramics.

What stones are combined with hematite

The mineral goes well with such stones:

• jasper;
• tiger eye;
• cacholong;
• obsidian;
• aventurine;
• turquoise.

Extremely popular are jewelry, in which, in addition to bloodstone, there is mother-of-pearl, scarlet coral or white agate.

Jewelers are also well aware of the good compatibility of bloodstone with sapphires и emeralds.

Interesting Facts

1. In 2004, having discovered a bloodstone on Mars, scientists put forward a hypothesis according to which the bloody color of this planet is due to the high content of this particular mineral in the Martian soil.
2. Jewelry made from a rare variety of the mineral, which has a beautiful blue tint and is mined at the only deposit located in Kazakhstan, are of the greatest value.