Metaphysical Properties of Hematite

• Element: Earth
• Birthstone: Virgo
• Chakras: Root (1st)

With its high iron content, Hematite is commonly used for its grounding properties to alleviate confusion and negativity while balancing and strengthening one's auric field. Particularly helpful for those with negative tendencies, Hematite provides grounding energy, promoting common sense and clarity of though. As one becomes grounded to the Soul of the Earth, he or she can proceed to bringing the energies of the etheric realms into manifestation here in the physical plane. Hematite, therefore, is an effective ally to prepare an individual towards those aspirations.

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History of Hematite

The name Hematite may have derived from the Greekhaimatites to mean blood, although engraved Hematite seals and ornaments have been found in the tombs of ancient Babylon and Egypt that date as far back as 2,500 B.C. To the Egyptians, the Hematite amulets placed in the tombs were to assist the deceased move on to the afterlife. The Romans related Hematite to Mars, the God of War, and warriors carried Hematite as they believed this would offer them protection during battle. Native Americans have been long known to use the powdered form of Hematite, known as red ochre, as face paint for sacred and war-related ceremonies. The Mi'kmaq andBeothuck tribes of the American northeast used red ochre so extensively that early explorers referred to them as the "red paint people", which eventually lead to the commonly referenced term "redskin".

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Chemical Composition of Hematite

• Hardness: 5 to 6
• Crystal System: Hexagonal (Trigonal)
• Composition: Iron Oxide

Hematite is a compact form of iron oxide. Majority of Hematite in the marketplace is metallic gray in color and offered in a massive form as nodules (like that of kidney shapes) but can also be found in rosettes or crystal forms. Regardless of which form this mineral takes, it will always carry a rust-red streak. Hematite is commonly found in a range of colors, from metallic silver to reddish brown to red to silvery brown. Hematite is an abundant mineral and is the major principal ore of iron. In fact, Hematite is the source for over 90 percent of all iron mined within the United States. Hematine, an artificially manufactured magnetic version of Hematite, has been growing in popularity. Notable deposits of Hematite can be found in Canada, Italy, Brazil, Switzerland, England, Sweden, Venezuela, Morocco, and the United States.