Searching for information on the meaning of hematite? Read on to discover all there is to know about this precious gemstone.
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Kevin
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May 26, 2022
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If you’ve recently started a spiritual journey, are studying to become a mineralogist, or are beginning to dabble into witchcraft, you’ve probably come across hematite — but do you know what it is?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about hematite, including its definition, characteristics, properties, and more.
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Definition of Hematite?
According to the Collins Dictionary, hematite — AKA haematite — is a reddish-brown to black, rhombohedral mineral consisting of ferric oxide that is a major ore of iron.
It’s a common rock-forming mineral found in metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks at various locations throughout the world, such as:
- Brazil
- Canada (near Lake Superior)
- India
- Madagascar
- Switzerland
- Russia
- South Africa
- UK
- USA
- Bolivia
- Italy
- Sweden
- Australia
Iron oxidation is the reason for the deep reddish hue, which is why red hematite tends to be a rusty color as opposed to a vivid, rich red. That said, hematite is opaque and has a dull appearance.
When the stone is in quartz, it’ll appear translucent due to the mineral diffusing throughout the quartz. When polished, hematite has a beautiful, slick, and metallic-like finish.
What Are the Properties of Hematite?
A “stone for the mind,” hematite is said to strengthen our connection with the earth, helping us to feel safe, protected, and secure. That said, the properties of hematite are as follows:
- Chakra — Root chakra and Solar Plexus
- Zodiac — Aries, and Aquarius
- Variable Formula — (Fe,Ti)2O3
- Streak — Brownish red to red
- Transparency — Opaque
- Bagua Areas — Gen, Tai Qi, Kan
- Element — Fire and Earth
- Planet — Mars
- Chemical Formula — Fe2O3
- Numerical Vibration — 5 to 6
- Typical Colors — Dark red, black, gray, blood red, silver-gray, banded gray, iridescent, red, reddish-brown to brown
What Is the Origin of Hematite?
The word hematite derives from a Greek word that literally means blood — haima. This was due chiefly to the color that the stone turned after it was grounded into a powder. In fact, this “powder” was among the first types of chalk in use more than 160,000 years ago.
That said, hematite was a popular stone for decorative purposes in Ancient Rome. Jewelry, weapons, and even armor decorated with Hematite were traded widely. The ground powder was also used as a pigment, war paint, and decorations in pharaohs’ tombs.
In addition, the bloodstone was highly sought after for its healing power and ability to serve as a protective cloak.
Associated with Aries (AKA, the God of War), the iron-rich gemstone has been associated with magic and blood for thousands of years. According to legend, the hematite crystal was used as a powerful talisman for courageous warriors in England because it was believed to preserve the blood of a fallen soldier wounded in battle.
What Are the Benefits of Hematite?
There are a ton of (supposed) benefits to using hematite — here are just a few:
- Helps promotes healthy circulation throughout the body
- Boosts self-esteem
- Provides protective energy
- Can bring strength to those who wear it, providing you with willpower, confidence, and courage
- Helps soothes leg cramps, insomnia, and tension in the body
- Supports mental clarity by enhancing your ability to concentrate
- Eliminates negative energy
- Helps stimulate the absorption of iron and formation of red blood cells
- Helps slow down the flow of heavy menstrual periods
To reap these incredible assumed benefits, you can wear hematite jewelry, such as a hematite bracelet, hematite ring, or hematite pendant.
You can also keep natural hematite around the house for extra protection or combine it with other healing stones like black tourmaline, black amethyst, and black obsidian. Lapis Lazuli, aquamarine, and carnelian are also good choices.
What Are the Types of Hematite?
Did you know that there are several types of hematite? Hematite varieties include:
- Titano-hematite
- Specularite
- Rainbow-hematite
- Paint ore
- Martite
- Kidney ore
- Iron Rose
- Bloodstone
Note: There is a popular man-made magnetic stone called ‘magnetic Hematite,’ but this is not the same as the mineral Hematite. Therefore, it will not provide the same assumed healing properties as a true hematite stone.
Recap
In short, hematite is the mineral form of iron oxide. It is one of the most abundant minerals found on the planet and is often used for balance, protection, courage, and strength.
Found in Brazil, Canada, England, and other places around the globe, the hematite crystal is linked to the root chakra and is known to absorb toxic emotions and negativity that might be holding you back from your natural state of happiness and vitality.
Thinking about adding hematite to your collection of healing stones? Stick with a natural healing variety of hematite, such as kidney ore, iron rose, or bloodstone. Steer clear of magnetic hematite as this rock is man-made and does not provide the same healing benefits as the natural stone.
Whether you’re in need of a little extra protection, a boost of courage, or relief from a heavy menstrual period, the hematite stone can help.
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