Hematite
Iron oxide, the red of ochre and of Mars, polished to a mirror.
- Family
- Hematite
- Formula
- Fe₂O₃
- Mohs
- 5 to 6.5
- System
- Trigonal
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Science
Hematite is the main iron ore, forming in banded iron formations that record the oxygenation of the atmosphere two billion years ago. Whatever its outward colour, its streak on porcelain is always blood red. Most shiny 'hematite' beads are actually a magnetic ceramic imitation.
- Mineral
- Hematite
- Formula
- Fe₂O₃
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 5 to 6.5
- Specific gravity
- 5.26
- Refractive index
- Opaque
- Lustre
- Metallic to earthy
- Colours
- Steel grey, Black, Red
Composition
Fe₂O₃. Made of Iron, Oxygen, with trace Titanium responsible for colour.
Origin
- BrazilMinas Gerais
- United KingdomCumbria, kidney ore
- ItalyElba, since the Etruscans
- United StatesLake Superior
- Australia
- China
Filled dots are primary sources
Rarity
The principal ore of iron, mined by the billion tonnes. Rainbow-iridescent specimens and sharp 'iron roses' are the collector grade.
- 1 Abundant
- 2 Common
- 3 Uncommon
- 4 Rare
- 5 Exceptional
Hardness
Hematite sits at 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Glass and a knife blade are about as hard; it wears well with care.
Energy
Associations from crystal-healing tradition, recorded here as folklore. They are not medical claims.
Chakras
- Root
Element
- Earth
Zodiac
- Aries
- Aquarius
Planets
- Mars
- Saturn
Properties
- Grounding
- Strength
- Focus
- Protection
Lore
Red ochre, powdered hematite, is the oldest pigment: used at Blombos Cave 100,000 years ago and in every Palaeolithic painting. The name is from haima, blood; Roman soldiers rubbed it on their bodies for invulnerability.
The red of Mars is hematite dust. Modern practice makes it the heaviest grounding stone.
- StreakAlways red-brown, whatever the specimen looks like.
- Magnetic beadsNatural hematite is barely magnetic; magnetic beads are synthetic.