Hematite

Hematite is a heavy, silvery-grey stone with a secret: rubbed on an unglazed tile, it leaves a streak the colour of rust. That contrast is the heart of its character, and of its name.

What it is

Hematite is iron oxide, Fe2O3, and it is the most important ore of iron in the world. Its hardness ranges between about 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it is notably heavy for its size. It appears in several forms: bright, metallic crystals called specularite, rounded kidney-shaped masses called kidney ore, and earthy red material. The streak test, which shows a red-brown line, is the classic way to identify it.

Hematite is found in many countries, including Brazil, the Lake Superior region of North America, the island of Elba in Italy and the former iron-mining districts of northern England. It also occurs on Mars, where it was identified from orbit and by rovers, and it was part of the evidence that water once shaped the surface of the planet.

History and culture

The name comes from the Greek haima, blood, for the red streak and the colour of powdered stone. Red ochre, a hematite-rich earth, is among the oldest pigments known, used in prehistoric cave art and burials in many parts of the world. Polished hematite was used in ancient times to make seals and mirrors, and has been carved into engraved gems since antiquity.

In Victorian Britain, polished hematite jewellery was fashionable, and its sober dark colour suited the mourning jewellery of the period. The shiny black-grey faceted beads seen in costume jewellery today follow that tradition. Very often, the word marcasite is used for small pieces set in silver, though those are actually pyrite and not hematite.

What crystal traditions associate with it

In many crystal traditions, hematite is associated with grounding, focus and strength, which some people connect to its weight and its iron content. It is linked with the root chakra, and with Aries, the sign ruled by Mars, the iron planet, in some zodiac stone lists, though sources vary. These are symbolic associations and not claims about effects.

How people use it

Hematite is worn as polished beads, rings and bracelets, and is sold in tumbled form for pockets and desks. Some people use a heavy polished stone as a palm stone for holding. The stone is very popular for men’s jewellery because of its metallic finish.

Care and safety

• Hematite is brittle and can chip or shatter if dropped, even though it is fairly hard.
• Polished surfaces scratch. Keep pieces apart from other stones in storage.
• Avoid soaking, especially in salt water or acidic liquids, which can dull the surface. A quick wipe with a soft cloth is best.
• Do not swallow stones or place them in drinks. Hematite dust from grinding should not be inhaled.
• Hematite can leave a dark or reddish mark on skin or cloth if the surface is worn.

Magnetic hematite and fakes

Most of the magnetic hematite sold as beads and bracelets is not natural hematite at all. It is a man-made material, often called hematine or magnetic haematite, made from iron compounds and pressed or sintered. Natural hematite is only weakly magnetic, if at all. Whether or not you like the look, it is useful to know what you are buying.

Sourcing

Much of the hematite in jewellery is cut in large workshops, and imitations are common. Ask whether a piece is natural and where it was made.

A note on health. Crystals are valued for beauty, meaning and ritual. There is no scientific evidence that they treat health conditions. If you are struggling with your health or mood, please speak to a doctor.

Frequently asked questions