Hematite Stone Overview

Hematite is one of the most common minerals. Its color can be varied, and the stone itself is widely used to create jewelry and not only.

Hematite can be represented as a non-crystalline substance if it is limonite, which has lost moisture due to elevated ambient temperature. Its hardness is 5-6 on the recognized Mohs scale. The crystal system is represented as a hexagon.

There are natural crystals that are found in thin plates, as well as in bundles of small mica plates and in thin fragments. There are scale-hedral and rhombohedral crystals, as well as tabular groups. The crystals are often grooved. Often in the breed you can find dendritic and rosette forms. It can form as a pseudomorph after other minerals.

The name "hematite" in Greek means "blood." Many of its forms have other names. Scientists call hematite a mineral, among the people you can often find its other names:

• bloodstone;
• hematin;
• black or alaskan diamond.

The largest hematite deposits in the world are of sedimentary origin in the rock. The world's largest production - almost 75 million tons of hematite per year, is located in North America. Other important deposits include deposits in Minas Gerais (Brazil), where hematite is found in metamorphosed sediments. Also, the mineral is mined in large quantities in Hierro-Bolivar (Venezuela), Labrador and Quebec (Canada).

Hematite appears in the rock as an auxiliary mineral in feldspar magmatic cliffs in the form of granite. In red sandstones, the mineral acts as a material that binds quartz grains.

Huge deposits of stone are located in the United States. Iron ore ridges stretch from east to west:

• Marquette Ridge in Michigan;
• the Menominee Range in Michigan southwest of Marquette;
• Penoky-Gogebik Ridge in Wisconsin;
• Mesaby Ridge north of Duluth in Minnesota.

Here, hematite is presented both in the form of a black mica mirror variety and a soft red earthy type.

It is easy to confuse mineral hematite with an artificial material called magnetic hematite. In some forms, both stones have a very similar silvery appearance. Some suggest that magnetic hematite is just a “magnetized” stone, in fact, even though it contains a lot of iron, the mineral has a weak magnetic field. On the other hand, mineral magnetite is very magnetized and many often mistakenly believe that this is an artificial material.

Hematite is a product of the conversion of magnetite, it crystallizes in the rhombohedral system and has the same crystalline structure as ilmenite and corundum. The described mineral and ilmenite are formed at temperatures above 950 ° C. It is harder than pure iron, but much more fragile.

Hematite crystals can appear as a secondary mineral formed as a result of weathering in the soil, as well as along with other iron oxides or oxyhydroxides, such as goethite, which is responsible for the red color of many tropical ancient soils.

The use of hematite in jewelry was popular in Europe during the Victorian era. Then, stone jewelry was considered a sign of mourning.

Hematite has unique physical properties that have found their application not only in science. In addition, the stone is used in astrology and magic, it is able to positively affect human health with its energy. Of great importance in the formation of its color are impurities. Not all of its forms are a precious mineral; some of them can only be considered semi-precious.

If we talk about the description of the physical properties of hematite, then it is worth starting with the fact that it is non-melting and becomes very magnetic when heated. Slowly soluble in hydrochloric acid, in a solution of potassium ferrocyanide gives a dark blue precipitate.

It is an opaque mineral with a specific gravity of 4.9 to 5.3. Gloss is close to a dull metallic. When exposed, it does not split, but in some cases demonstrates basal or rhombohedral delamination. The density of the stone is 5095-5205 kg / m3, while the iron content in it can be different.

The stone is slightly, but still attracted to the magnetic field, oxides or simple oxides are included in the group. The formation of deposits can be observed in any environment without any specific conditions. The type of breed containing it may be:

• igneous;
• sedimentary;
• metamorphic.

Scientists have learned to obtain a mineral from magnetite, which is popular due to its unique magnetic properties, which completely disappear when heated to a temperature of 220 degrees.

The healing properties of the mineral for humans have been known since ancient times. It is equally useful for both men and women. No wonder when translated from another language, hematite means "blood." Mineral has a positive effect in all respects on body fluids.

One of the healing properties of this stone is its use to stabilize blood circulation and combat hyperemia and embolism. A positive effect is also known on the small intestine, where the mineral helps in the absorption of iron, which improves the process of supplying the body with oxygen.

What is very important to know about this stone is that some people cannot come into contact with it, as this causes the skin to become inflamed, signs of irritation appear. You should not wear hematitis in the presence of inflammation, viral or infectious diseases in the body. The stone has a good effect on the formation of hemoglobin in the blood, although scientists cannot confirm this fact.

People suffering from low blood pressure should also wear a black diamond. But for those who have it increased, it is extremely contraindicated to wear jewelry with a mineral on themselves.

Of the other indispensable healing properties of the stone, it is worth highlighting:

• help with fractures, since the process of bone healing is faster;
• the stone is able to heal vessels, helps with anemia and heart problems;
• the amount of red blood cells in the blood improves, the process of hematopoiesis improves in the bone marrow.

Returning to the Stone Age, it is known for certain that the tribes used hematite as a talisman to protect against witchcraft. In ancient Rome, it was also very popular among legionnaires, since it was believed that the mineral helped in time to learn about the ambush and saved the soldiers from wounds.

As a talisman for home, it is better to use a hematite figurine. In Russia, they were always placed in bed with a small child. They said that such a guard protected him not only from evil spirits, but also from childhood ailments. There are legends, according to which people managed to protect themselves from meeting with evil spirits due to the hematite amulet.

In Tibet they say that the mysterious country of Shambhala is associated with the described mineral. This is why hematite jewelry can be found in monasteries. Rumor has it that if a person was able to comprehend the strength of the mineral, then the stone will give him the opportunity to communicate with the spirits of the dead.

The stone endows its carrier with a priceless gift of a seer, extraordinary wisdom. If used correctly, it will help to comprehend the secrets of the Universe, therefore, often a black diamond is found among the magical attributes of fortune-tellers, since it makes the future clear and understandable.

Hematite refers to the stone of Mars and Pluto, he has great energy and can enhance the mood of his master. The mineral helps absorb negative energy and soothes during stress or anxiety.

Hematite is also good for working with the root chakra; it helps turn negative energy into positive vibrations. The mineral can help to find the individuality in itself, thanks to it a person maintains self-control even in a difficult situation. His positive energy is aimed at self-improvement of a person.

Hematite strengthens self-confidence, meditation with him is more successful, it helps to direct the energy of the spirit to balance the physical state.

A hematite talisman is extremely necessary for scientists, since its energy contributes to concentration. This stone can also help with math and thinking; it establishes a balance between mind and spirit.

Hematite is known to reduce the effects of negative energy. The planet associated with this stone is Saturn. The element that is associated with hematite is fire, which is why it is recommended primarily to Aries. But this stone is not only Aries, but also Aquarius, as well as Scorpio, which he protects, warns of danger, improves intuition, increases sexuality, and can additionally energize when necessary.

Huge hematite deposits were found in glandular formations. Gray stone is usually found in places where there is still water or mineral hot springs, for example, in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The mineral can precipitate from the water and collect in layers at the bottom of the lake. It can also form without water, however, as a rule, as a result of volcanic activity.

Mineral colors:

• black
• gray
• silver;
• brown;
• reddish brown;
• red;
• rainbow.

Any color stone looks simply stunning. From the name it is clear that some of its forms have a blood-red hue, but in addition, the mineral can be gold or even yellow. These shades are opaque, rather matte, due to the physical properties of the stone.

The final color of the mineral depends on the quality and quantity of impurities contained in it. Rarely, but still there is blue and green hematite. As a rule, it is a stone polished with water with a metallic tint.

Most scientists distinguish only two forms of the mineral:

• red glass head;
• speculates.

But there are those who speak of a much larger number of its varieties, among which there is iron mica, that is, stones with a scaly structure. There is also martite - a stone with various inclusions. You can hear in the scientific world about the iron rose - a mineral in which the crystals are not connected as usual, but in the form of a wild rose.

Gray crystals have a metallic luster, they are known as iron ore, thin scaly types are called mica hematite.

Most of the mineral forms in a soft, fine-grained earthy form called red ocher. The intermediate link between these types is renal or pencil ore. Red ocher is used as a pigment to create paint, a cleaned form for polishing flat glass.

If the mineral contains water, then it takes the form of wood buds. This is the so-called hydrohematite, which is also considered one of the forms of hematite. Most often, hypergenic red iron ore is found.

The mineral described is not suitable for all elements, since it has a complex character and powerful energy. Aries must wear it - they are one of those who are allowed to do this every day. It is especially important to wear hematite jewelry for important meetings or when making decisions.

A perfect complement to the image and a wonderful amulet will be a silver ring with an hematite insert.

Black diamond brings success in business, it gives the necessary self-confidence. For women of the fire element, it becomes much easier to deal with stress. A figurine made of mineral attracts luck.

The stone is also suitable for the strong spirit of Scorpions, who with such an assistant will surely achieve great success and material well-being. You can wear a jewelry in the form of beads, or you can just keep the mineral in a bag.

Scorpio men get good support from the mineral, they manage to find the necessary words during business meetings, stone gives women self-confidence.

Mineral and Cancer will bring luck, as it will become the center of concentration of its positive vital energy. With such a talisman, success will come to him not only at work, but also in his personal life.

Of the ornaments, crayfish are best worn with a cross; women can use a brooch.

Crayfish men will have less conflict, gain the confidence they need and move quickly toward the goal with a hematite mascot.

Virgos who do not like to change anything in their lives, are prone to doubt and constraint, will find many useful things in the mineral. They will become bolder, ready for experiments. With the help of hematite, personal life is sure to improve. The mineral protects children well from adverse effects.

Aquarians who spray their energy too much and sometimes cannot concentrate on something important should definitely have jewelry with a stone.

Astrologers advise to have a black diamond figurine in the house, because then the energy of the stone will attract good luck in the financial sector, make the house a full bowl, and improve the relationship between households.

A stone amulet will help Gemini and Sagittarius. The former will always be in the spotlight, while around them the mineral will create strong protection against evil looks. As for the Sagittarius, the stone, first of all, will protect them from themselves.

If you know what you should pay attention to, then determining a real or synthetic stone will not be difficult even for a person without a geological formation. It is difficult to disagree with the fact that the market is increasingly filled with fakes, which is why it is so important to know what natural hematite looks like.

If we take into account the chemical composition, then there is a lot of iron in the bloodstone, respectively, even a small-sized jewelry should have a decent mass.

You can check the naturalness of the stone using a rough, light surface. The mineral will need to be lightly held over it. When hematite is real, it leaves behind a red strip. If such a trace does not remain, then the buyer is well-made fake.

The third indicator of authenticity is value. The price for the finished product may depend on many factors, including which metal the hematite combines with. The mineral is not included in the list of rare ones, it is mined all over the world, but too low a price should be alarming. The better the cut, the more expensive the product.

If you want to buy a jewelry with black hematite, then you can come across plastic or ceramic. It is enough to check to lower it into the water - the natural stone is heavy, it will sink, but the fake - no.

If there is a magnet nearby, some use it for authentication. The bloody man does not have much magnetism, but he is attracted anyway.

Any jewelry looks more attractive if its design uses not one mineral, but several that complement each other perfectly. In combination with other stones, hematite will sparkle with new colors. Malachite is best suited to it, because their colors and energy combine perfectly.

Often you can find the mineral in combination with limonite or lava stone. They can be worn together without fear that the minerals will counteract each other.

There are several main applications of the described mineral. Thanks to its attractive appearance, jewelers around the world were able to appreciate it. Rings, charms, crafts are very popular.

Any hematite product requires careful care, so they should be stored in a casket. The mineral reacts very poorly to rough mechanical action.

But jewelry is not the only area where the mineral has found its application. Precisely because its composition contains a large amount of iron, hematite is used in heavy industry, in the manufacture of steel or even cast iron. In hematite ore, up to 50, and sometimes 65%, of iron.

The red hue of ocher has become in demand in the visual arts.Stone is used as a pigment to create paint.

Despite the fact that hematitis demonstrates medicinal properties, it is not used in medicine as a medication. The mineral can be used in combination with other methods so that it helps the body in the fight against the disease.

The structure of hematite endowed it with such quality as fragility. For this reason, it should not be dropped, be sure to protect it from mechanical stress. Be sure to protect the black diamond from friction on the rough surface. Do not wear jewelry with him when playing sports or during cleaning. It’s better to put it in the box so that the mineral can gain strength.

All hematite jewelry collect negative energy on itself, which is why they sometimes require high-quality cleaning. Simply hold the product under running water, and then put it on a soft towel so that it dries out.

More details about hematite and its properties are discussed in the next video.