Hematite is a gemstone as old as the Earth itself. It's revered for its timeless beauty and respected for the raw power of nature that it possesses. The mineral appears in varying hues of metallic gray to reddish brown to black-as-night. 

Ancient cultures have been fascinated by hematite for centuries. The very name is a reference to the Greed word for blood which is ‘haima’.  When powdered, hematite can make a lovely red paint that was once valued by the ancients for paint and dye. It's a common component of ancient pottery. 

Many believe hematite was the chosen gem of the god of war Mars. Warriors would wear the gemstone in their armor, as an adornment, or in jewelry before marching into battle because they thought it would protect them and maybe even provide them with some level of supernatural powers. 

Nowadays, many enjoy hematite because they believe it gives them balance and greater clarity. It has become a frequent stone found in jewelry or sold as a talisman. 

Due to its ancient history, hematite probably does connect each of us in a way with the planet. It is undoubtedly a natural creation of the modern world and has very deep roots in the Earth’s very geology. 

Nowadays, if you visit a gemstone or jewelry store, you might wonder which stones are natural and which ones are manmade. Hematite is 100% natural. The mineral is a form of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), which is one of many iron oxides. Unlike many gemstones, it has a metallic luster that is very eye-catching. 

Hematite minerals occur naturally in both crystalline and amorphous forms. In the crystalline form, it comes in a bevy of shapes and sizes such as tabular crystals and rhombohedral crystals. They commonly have a metallic surface that captures the light in a mesmerizing way. 

One of the unique things about hematite is its high iron content which makes up to 70% of its composition. This makes the gemstone an important and key source of iron ore.

Hematite forms through the process of oxidation of iron minerals which takes place in lakes or the sea. It also arises in places of volcanic activity. Interestingly, hematite has also been found in meteorites. NASA has found that hematite makes up a significant portion of the surface of Mars. 

It is believed that hematite occurs in places where there was once water. Hematite forms through the process of oxidation of iron which occurs in the presence of water combined with volcanic activity. This opens the exciting hypothesis that there was once water on Mars and on other meteorites or planets where hematite is found.  Where there once once water there was perhaps life. Much speculation swirls whenever hematite is detected. 

One of the biggest appeals of hematite is its versatility. It is used by a diverse range of industries and is even favored in cultural practices. 

Hematite is the primary ore in the production of iron and steel. It has a remarkably high iron content that hovers at around 70%. Industries favorite it for smelting for the manufacturer of a variety of metal goods such as automobiles and materials used for construction. 

As mentioned, many ancient cultures used hematite for paints, pottery, and more. Even today, manufacturers use it in paints as a pigment and to color concrete. 

In a powdered form hematite is called:

• Red Rouge
• Jeweler’s Rouge
• Iron Oxide Red

It is widely used to polish other gemstones and metals because it provides a lovely smooth, mirrorlike finish. 

The high density of hematite makes it an excellent choice for radiation shielding. It is favored by the manufacturers of scientific and medical equipment to provide radiation shielding during X-rays, MRIs, and other radioactive treatment processes.

Hematite is beautiful which makes it popular in jewelry making. It has the perfect metallic sheet and weight. Many craft the mineral into beads, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more. It gives jewelry a delightful sleek and modern appearance. 

Throughout history, hematite has been used for carvings and to make small ornamental pieces such as chess pieces, Christmas ornaments, small figurines, and other decorative items. The hardness of the mineral lets artists easily carve very intricate shapes. 

Many believe that hematite has strong protective properties and can promote grounding. When worn in jewelry it helps the wearer develop a deep and meaningful connection to the Earth. They also achieve greater balance and stability. Many use the gemstone to absorb unwanted negative energy to bolster their self-confidence. 

Cultures around the world use hematite in their spiritual traditions as a protective stone and to promote emotional well-being. 

Planetary scientists and geologists use hematite to study distant planets and meteors. The presence of hematite means that water once existed, such as on Mars. It’s an important mineral for scientists to rely on when determining if water was once present on distant worlds and many believe if water once existed then life once existed too. 

Yes, there are different types of hematite. Each one is unique and stunning in its way. Let’s explore the different types of hematite found around the world (and in many cases from other worlds via meteorites). 

Specular hematite is commonly referred to simply as specularite. It features a very shiny and metallic appearance with a dazzling metallic appearance. 

Hold a piece up the the light and it will sparkle as it catches and reflects the rays. The luster is truly something else and almost mirror-like. The gemstone will sparkle as each flake reflects the light. 

The attractive metallic luster makes it very popular for jewelry making. Certain industries also favor it for its reflective characteristics. 

Earthy hematite is a form of hematite that has a dull, lackluster red appearance. Sadly it has no significant metallic luster compared to other varieties. It is very fine-grained and feels almost like chalk. 

It has been used as far back as ancient man for rock paintings. Today, it's even used in cosmetics or as an ingredient in art supplies. 

This type of hematite is named for its resemblance to a human kidney. It has a very smooth, rounded surface with a red-to-reddish-brown hue. It is often found in botryoidal (grape-like) clusters.

Kidney ore hematite is a novelty or collector's item. Gemstone enthusiasts value it for its unique appearance in mineral collections.

Iron rose hematite consists of platy or tabular crystals. The crystals are all arranged in a circular pattern that looks like the petals of a rose. This structure is often the result of repeated twinning of crystals.

Like kidney ore, iron rose hematite is highly valued for its aesthetic value. Gemstone collectors enjoy collecting the unique variety and some keep pieces as talismans. 

Oolitic hematite is composed of small, round grains called oolites. Each of the grains is actually very concentric layers of hematite around a core. The texture is somewhat like fish roe. 

Although not visually stunning, it is an important iron ore because it is commonly mined for the extraction of iron. Collectors also like it because its unusual looking. 

Banded hematite is typically mined with banded iron formations (BIFs). It appears with alternating layers of hematite and other iron minerals like magnetite, alongside silica-rich layers.

The variety is another significant source of iron ore. The striking appearance of BIFs also makes them highly coveted as decorative stones and for educational purposes in geology.

Though true hematite is weakly magnetic, "magnetic hematite" is often a synthetic or altered form of hematite that has been highly magnetized. In some cases, it also may be a form of magnetite (another iron oxide) that is marketed as hematite.

This form of hematite has become very popular in jewelry because it is regularly formed into beads and used to make bracelets or necklaces. Many think that the magnetism of the gemstone provides therapeutic benefits by reducing inflammation and easing pain from things such as arthritis. 

Each type of hematite has very unique properties that make it suitable for a wide array of uses, from industrial applications to jewelry and spiritual practices. The variety also highlights the mineral's adaptability and the diverse ways in which it has been valued throughout history and across cultures.

Hematite has a deep connection with the root chakra. It is regularly used in healing and as a part of crystal therapy. 

The root chakra is called the Mualdhara in Sanskrit. It is located at the base of the spring and is the very foundation of what is termed the ‘energy body’. The root chakra is tasked with providing feelings of security and safety. It is also a part of our basic needs. 

When the root chakra is correctly balanced it gives you a great feeling of stability and groundness. You’ll also enjoy more energy. Those with a grounded root chakra have a very close and meaningful connection with the earth and the environment. 

However, what happens if your root chakra is not grounded?  This is where hematite can help. Hematite has phenomenal grounding properties and gives you a great and meaningful connection to the earth. It's the perfect stone to stabilize and energize your root chakra.  

The hematite acts as a strong base to align all of your other chakras so you get a delightful sense of balance and meaningful well-being. 

Hematite is strongly associated with thezodiac sign Capricorn. It is believed to foster prosperity, stability, and determination. It is thought to concentrate energies toward favorable results under various circumstances and during life’s many challenges. 

When worn, hematite motivates proactive behavior and swift action in the Capricorn. It gives them self-assurance and fosters their decision-making properties. The stone helps a Capricorn meet life's most challenging moments with strength and resilience.

You don’t have to be a Capricorn to benefit from wearing hematite jewelry or carrying a piece as a talisman. 

• Carry or wear hematite close to the base of your spine, or as a bracelet or ring to give you better grounding and offer protective energy throughout the day. 

• Place hematite on the body when you meditate to create chakra balancing. Ideally, you should place it near the base of your spine to better align your root chakra. You can also hold it in your hands or place a piece of hematite in front of you to focus on as you ground and stabilize all of your energies. 

From the ancient world to the present day, hematite has carved a place for itself as a marvelous natural creation of the Earth. It is an integral part of human history and geology. Today, hematite continues to be a source of fascination and is favored in industries around the globe. 

From industrial to decorative, hematite's versatility remains unmatched. It is the backbone of the world’s iron and steel production industry (imagine, without it, we would have never entered the Industrial Revolution and had automobiles, manufacturing, and more). 

Hematite has also served as a pigment in ancient and modern artistry, and a polishing compound that brings a mirror-like finish to jewelry. Its metaphysical properties of grounding and protection are sought after for spiritual well-being, making it a powerful ally in crystal healing.

Whether you are seeking to harness hematite’s grounding energy, appreciate its beauty, or explore its scientific/industrial uses, hematite offers a unique blend of natural wonder, historical depth, and spiritual grounding. 

Holding a piece of hematite in your hand automatically connects you to the ancient energies of the Earth and even the universe. It can help you find balance, strength, and clarity while looking stunning. Why not invest in a piece of jewelry with hematite or carry a small hematite talisman?