Hematite - a stone with a “bloody” history: properties and zodiac sign

Hematite is a stone about which many legends are told.
It resembles blood, one of the most powerful magical substances, and magicians could not ignore it. In the Stone Age, rock paintings were created with its help, and since the year before, they began to be used in iron smelting. The mineral is also called bloodstone, although from a geological point of view this name refers only to the common variety of hematite. We will tell you about the healing and magical properties of hematite. You will find out who this stone is suitable for and who is contraindicated, what effect you can expect from it. And, of course, we will tell you how to identify a fake and how to care for a bloodstone amulet.

History and origin

This mineral has a very long and interesting history. In ancient times, it was believed that hematite beads could be found where a lot of blood had been shed - for example, at the sites of large-scale battles. Then they believed that the absorbed blood of the heroes would turn the water red if the “bloody” mineral was dropped into it.

The mineral received its modern name in the third century BC. It was invented by the Greek poet and philosopher Theophrastus, emphasizing the relationship of the stone with blood, because in his language “hematos” meant “blood”. In Egypt, bloodstone was considered the stone of Isis, the goddess of life on earth. He was credited with the ability to ward off demons.

The Indians rubbed themselves with ground hematite, and that is why they began to be called redskins (in fact, the natural skin color of this race is far from red).

Mirrors were made with the help of bloodstone, and medieval alchemists tried to obtain gold with its help.

In modern times, the stone was forgotten, and only in the seventies of the last century it was discovered that a hematite bracelet was able to normalize blood pressure. So the stone came back into fashion.

Mineral deposits

Hematite
Large industrial deposits of hematite are located in the following areas:

1. Russia (in the Komi Republic, in the Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk regions, in Karelia).
2. Europe (in Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Germany).
3. Asian countries (Mongolia, Iran, China).
4. Africa (in South Africa, Morocco, Algeria).
5. USA (Alaska and Michigan).
6. Latin America (in Mexico).
7. South America (in Brazil and Venezuela).
8. Ukraine.
9. Azerbaijan.
10. Kazakhstan.

Physical properties of the stone

The stone can have a metallic sheen or be matte. There are also differences in density; the mineral can be hard, soft or have an average density. Before processing, the rock in the form of beads and inclusions has the following physical properties:

Chemical composition

Chemical theoretical composition: Fe2O3 - 100 (Fe - 69.94). Often contains some amount of Ti, partly due to ilmenite inclusions, partly in solid solution; also contains a certain amount of Al and Mn in solid solution (up to 17% Mn in homogeneous hematites from the Ardennes); sometimes contains Ca, Mg, Fe2+ (up to 5% FeO with 10% TiO2 in “basanomelan”). In cryptocrystalline dense masses, SiO2 and Al2O3 are often found in the form of mechanical impurities, and in fibrous and earthy varieties - H2O (hydrohematite).

In the mineral from different deposits, impurities of Cr, Ni, Co, also V (up to 0.03% in the Dastakert deposit of Armenia, up to 4-10-3% from the deposit of Mongolia), In (in hydrohematite from Sarybulak, Kyrgyzstan, up to 0. 41%), Sn, Zn, etc.

Types of stone

Hematite is a quite diverse stone. Its main types include:

• The red glasshead is the most common species in Europe. It was called the bloodstone because of its dark red color. Often this is the variety that is meant when talking about hematite stone.

Red glass head

• Iron mica is a rock with a scaly structure and a fairly dense crystalline structure. It is interesting for its oily shine, reminiscent of the shine of iron.

Hematite iron mica

• Specularite is a dense mineral with a silver-gray tint, noticeable in bright light. Quite often it contains inclusions of other rocks. It is sometimes classified as a type of iron ore.

Specularite

• Iron rose is a very beautiful and most expensive type of bloodstone. His records are collected in groups that resemble a rosebud. Jewelers use this mineral in jewelry more often than other types of hematite.

Hematite iron rose

• Hematite. A brown and very dense variety of the mineral. Used in iron smelting.

Hematite

• Martite (Mars stone) is the only type that has strong magnetic properties, which is why it is confused with magnetite.

Martit

• Hydrohematite is a mineral containing up to eight percent water. Forms clusters similar to tree buds.

Hydrohematite in adularia

There are other classifications of stone; there are really a lot of varieties. But these are the most common ones.

Varieties and colors

Hematite is found in different shades: deep black with a metallic sheen, gray with a steel tint and red splashes, crimson-red. What makes the bloodstone stone unique is its release form:

• if the mineral has a scaly structure and a mirror-like luster, it is called specularite (iron mica);
• iron sour cream is called hematite, the scales of which are greasy to the touch and easily soiled;
• there is a mineral that is shaped like an iron rose, because its crystals grow in a spiral starting from the center;
• oolites resembling balls with kidney-shaped growths. This variety is called “red glass head”.

The metallic sheen of hematite is often accompanied by the effect of a gasoline film.

All of the forms of bloodstone described above are almost identical in chemical composition, the difference being the impurities that affect the properties and application.

Hematite healing properties

Hematite-bloodstone
In ancient times, the properties of the stone were attributed to hematite with the ability to influence blood flow and change its composition. It is not surprising that various cultures associated the gem with blood. There were many ways to use the healing properties of the mineral; it was used to quickly heal wounds and stop bleeding. Today, the beneficial properties of this amazing stone can be used regularly, increasing your energy potential with the help of jewelry.

Healing properties of hematite:

• normalizes both low and high blood pressure;
• promotes bone marrow regeneration;
• fights disorders of the genitourinary system, normalizes kidney function, restores reproductive abilities;
• considered a female stone, stops uterine bleeding, relieves painful sensitivity of the cycle, promotes normal pregnancy, increases lactation;
• improves metabolic processes, strengthens the body's protective properties;
• relieves nervous tension, normalizes sleep, charges with optimism;
• stress resistance increases, willpower strengthens, the influence of the “black diamond” helps to quit bad habits and addictions;
• the use of the mineral helps restore the functioning of vital systems;
• stops the growth of tumors and carcinogenic cells.

It exhibits its main healing abilities during the recovery period after operations, a course of treatment, or protracted illnesses.

The composition of the blood changes, the deficiency of microelements is replenished, and chemical parameters are normalized. It is useful to use hematite stone properties to support the liver, kidneys, spleen. The organs perform cleansing functions, removing toxins and free radicals from the blood.

Magic of stone

Hematite bracelet
Tribes of hunters and gatherers in the Stone Age used hematite as protection against evil witchcraft. Legionnaires in Ancient Rome took bloodstone on long journeys to protect themselves from injury and ambushes. Not jewelry was used as a talisman, but small figurines of good spirits carved from mineral.

In Rus', children's cradles were decorated with bloodstone. It protected children not only from evil spirits, but also from injuries, falls, and childhood illnesses. In villages, stories are still told about people who were able to avoid encounters with evil spirits thanks to hematite.

The magical country of Shambhala is associated with hematite - this is what they believe in Tibet. Monasteries are often inlaid with it to protect it from unworthy people, and bracelets of the same name are made from the mineral. To those who were able to conquer its power, the bloodstone grants the ability to maintain communication with the spirits of the dead.

Another meaning of hematite is to impart wisdom and the gift of a seer. A gem is capable of revealing to a person the secrets of the Universe. The bloodstone will help fortune tellers and soothsayers - the future will appear before them more clear, clear and definite. So jewelry with hematite will come in handy before a clairvoyance session.

The only advice is that for magical purposes it is best to set hematite in silver.

Who should wear it and who shouldn't?

• Military. A hematite amulet will not harm them.
• For those who often speak in public and experience discomfort from it.

• It is undesirable for rude, cruel people to wear products with blood stains. The stone will aggravate these character traits.
• Can't stop yourself? Sanguine is not your stone.

Zodiac signs

Good for Scorpios.

Black hematite is especially good for Cancers of the 3rd decade, and red is suitable for Aquarius of the 1st decade.

Esotericists do not recommend wearing the stone for Geminis.

Is Hematite right for you?

Not really

Element

Fire

Earth

Planets

Mars

Energy

Jan

Talismans and amulets

To understand whether the bloodstone is suitable as a talisman, you need to hold it in your hands for several minutes. Having felt a surge of positive energy, there is no doubt that this particular stone will become a reliable friend who will fulfill your innermost desires.

What you need to know:

• A bloodstone worn as a talisman should have a frame made of silver or brass, since these metals help to maximize the capabilities of this stone.
• In order for a ring with hematite to bring luck and happiness, men should wear it on the index finger of their right hand, and women should wear it on their left hand.
• A hematite bracelet enhances sexuality, making its owner more attractive in the eyes of members of the opposite sex.
• Hematite, which imparts courage and courage, will be a good amulet for women and men whose work involves protecting the lives of other people (medics, military, rescuers, firefighters).
• Hematite, which is a symbol of motherhood, should be worn by expectant mothers in the form of a pendant: it will help both the mother and her child avoid dangerous injuries.
• A hematite bracelet is a good amulet that can save its owner from groundless fears and protect him from unwanted influence from the outside.
• Bloodstone can be used as a powerful amulet that can protect a sleeping baby.
• A hematite amulet, worn to protect against damage or the evil eye, is recommended to be carried with you for no more than 7 days. After this time, the mineral needs energetic cleansing.

Areas of use

The properties of hematite have provided it with a very wide range of applications. They decorate homes with it, and figurines are cut out of it. By grinding the bloodstone, we obtain a powder from which red ink and colored pencils are made. Fine art was perhaps the very first industry to use hematite. Ancient rock paintings were already painted with it.

Since hematite is an iron oxide, it is useful in metallurgy and is used to smelt cast iron. At a time when a glass mirror could cost a fortune, fashionistas looked to polished hematites.

According to legends, those who regularly look at their reflection in a silver stone will retain youth and beauty for a long time. You can admire medieval mirrors in museums and at reenactor festivals.

Jewelers also love hematite, especially “iron rose”. However, it does not “live” in a gold frame, and it is also pointless to make small jewelry from the mineral. Usually bloodstone is set in silver or bronze.

This is not so much a decoration as a talisman, which means there are certain wearing rules. A hematite ring, for example, should be worn on the index finger. In this case, men put it on their right hand, and women - on their left. So the amulet will enhance positive energy, esotericists believe.

Jewelry with hematite and its prices

Hematite jewelry
Jewelry with stones was especially in demand during the Renaissance, later the demand for them fell and re-emerged in the 70s. It is inserted into rings, earrings, beads are used to make bracelets and beads, and amulets are cut out. You can buy bloodstone in stone stores or order from online merchants.

Hematite, which is both a jewelry and an ornamental stone, is often used to make carved items (mirror frames, boxes), miniatures (most often animal figurines) and all kinds of jewelry:

• Before falling into the hands of a master, the mineral is first ground and then polished for a long time, radically changing its color and acquiring an indescribable mirror shine.
• Rings, necklaces and bracelets are made from processed hematite, inserts for brooches, rings and earrings are cut out, and it is often used for inlaying household items. Given the heaviness of the mineral, it is not used to create massive jewelry.
• Most often, hematite is processed as a cabochon, giving it the shape of a regular semicircle on a flat base.
• When creating men's jewelry, they resort to simple cutting and engraving.

Hematite ornamental stone is inexpensive, so the frame for it is made from equally affordable materials:

• become;
• cupronickel;
• titanium;
• metal imitating silver;
• inexpensive jewelry alloys.

The price of hematite is low, since there are quite a lot of deposits of the rock. You can buy the stone for the following price:

• The cost of hematite set in silver is 1-2 thousand rubles.
• For a rarer type of bloodstone (for example, an iron rose), the buyer will pay from 8 to 11 thousand rubles.
• The cost of tumbling (small stones similar to river pebbles) of hematite ranges from 40-70 rubles per copy.
• For a pendant made of bloodstone, the seller can ask from 200 to 400 rubles.
• The cost of a ring carved from bloodstone (without frame) is from 350 to 500 rubles, and a necklace – from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles.

Other uses of stone

Hematite sculpture
Krovavik is a popular raw material and ornamental material. It is used:

• for interior decoration;
• as a means of traditional medicine;
• for smelting cast iron (from iron ore);
• in the form of a mineral pigment for the manufacture of paints (tempera) and leads for red pencils;
• as a raw material in the production of oilcloth, enamels and linoleum;
• as an ornamental stone for creating carved miniatures.

Where is it used?

Bloodstone is used in many areas - in decor and interior decoration, in the manufacture of jewelry masterpieces, in medical practice. Powdered hematite forms the basis of red ocher, which is actively used in painting.

Hematite stones

This mineral is used in various directions:

• hematite ore is used in the smelting of iron and steel;
• In jewelry, hematite is used to make cabochons (smooth beads), taking into account the fragility and opacity of the material. Such beads form the basis of future jewelry: beads, earrings, rings and brooches. They are set with titanium, steel, cupronickel and coated jewelry alloys. Natural “iron roses” are not cut and in their natural form are encased in metal, which is often silver. Framing in gold is extremely rare and does not have an industrial scale;
• Craftsmen make various crafts from bloodstone: boxes, mirror frames, massage balls, animal figures.

Product care

The gem is very fragile due to its structure, so hematite jewelry must be carefully protected from any damage. It is better not to drop bloodstone or even rub it on hard surfaces (for example, jewelry with gems). Be sure to remove the mineral if you plan to clean or play sports.

Hematite products absorb negative energy very strongly. Therefore, they need to be cleaned from time to time. To do this, you can hold the stone under running water for several minutes and then dry it with a soft cloth.

The right decoration

A beautiful decoration, I’ll buy it... It’s worth stopping and thinking.

Inserts from stones (not only hematite) into metals should be thought out by jewelers. And not only from the point of view of “beautiful-ugly”.

For example, a square cut stone will help a person improve his abilities. But the flight of imagination will be limited.

The shape of a stone in the form of a drop or a leaf gives the desire to achieve perfection in everything and will help to specialize in some narrow field of knowledge.

The oval, cylindrical shape will protect from “unkind glance” and will protect from dashing people.

Many esotericists do not advise making and wearing crosses and crescents from bloodstone. Such pendants and pendants can cause lung diseases.

But precisely from the bloody one. A cross made of jet, for example, gives the effect of a talisman.

Authentication

Hematite-goethite glass head
A hematite amulet will bring good luck and health to its owner only if an unscrupulous manufacturer does not produce a ceramic fake instead of a stone.

Stone counterfeits are carried out using pressed iron oxide powder, metal ceramics, or a synthetic analogue. It is not difficult to distinguish a natural crystal from a fake, thanks to its inherent special property of leaving behind a crimson streak.

How to check the authenticity of the bloodstone:

1. You need to rub the mineral over any unglazed porcelain surface; a characteristic red line should remain on the chip of the product.
2. The easiest way to check is by weight; hematite is an iron ore that will be significantly heavier than any ceramic.
3. The stone is not magnetic, despite its high iron content. Bloodstone is quite dense, heavy, heats up and cools down quickly.

If you look at a stone through a magnifying glass, even the smoothest models will contain inclusions of other crystals or brown abrasions. Before purchasing jewelry, it is worth remembering that bloodstone is not suitable for making very small items, as it is quite fragile.

How to distinguish natural hematite from a fake

Although the price of hematite is low, people still like to fake it.
It happens that pieces of ceramics or synthetic minerals are sold under the guise of real stone. There are several reliable ways to detect a fake:

1. Swipe the mineral over the glass or wall. Natural hematite always leaves a trace of dark red color, regardless of the shade of the stone itself.
2. Painted ceramics or even plastic are often passed off as black hematite. They are much lighter than real stone, so simply dip the mineral into water. The original will sink instantly.
3. Check the decoration with a magnet. Bloodstone, albeit weakly, is attracted.
4. When shopping for jewelry, get into the habit of looking closely at the stones under a magnifying glass. Natural gems are very rarely flawless. Even a perfectly processed mineral will have tiny chips, cracks, and inclusions of a different color. Fakes always imitate perfection.

Thanks to these rules, you can always purchase a genuine gem. It should be remembered that only natural stone is suitable for magic. But if the mineral hematite is contraindicated for you, then there will be no harm from counterfeiting. The main thing is that they don’t sell it to you at the price of a real gem.

Artificial hematite

There are two types of artificial hematites sold under brand names:

• hematin;
• Hemalike.

The first of them - hematin - known to jewelers under the term “magnetic hematite”, is an alloy made of steel and nickel and chromium sulfides. This material, obtained in US laboratories, is an identical analogue of bloodstone, having the same specific gravity, color and line color. The only difference is that hematin is attracted even by a weak magnet.

To obtain hemalayk, crushed particles of natural hematite are mixed with an adhesive composition, after which the resulting mass is pressed under high temperature conditions. Gemalayk lends itself well to the cutting process and looks like natural bloodstone.

Despite the high quality of synthetic analogues, they never took root in the Russian market due to the low cost of natural hematite.

Hematite and zodiac signs

Before using bloodstone, you need to know its astrological properties, which horoscopes it is combined with and who should avoid it.

Bloodstone is considered especially useful for some earth signs. So that it can be worn by representatives of “water” signs, it is recommended to put it under running water for 10 minutes, then wipe it off and apply it to the body so that it takes over the energy of the owner.

To find out who is suitable for a crystal from the signs of the air element, you need to squeeze it tightly in your hand; in the absence of irritation on the skin and the occurrence of unpleasant emotions, the stone can be used.

Astrology

The mineral has a surprising effect on different zodiac signs. The stone is of particular importance for representatives of Scorpio, Cancer and Aries. It has a beneficial effect on personality traits, reveals life-changing opportunities, and protects against troubles, illnesses and disasters. It gives confidence, determination, increases fortitude, promotes internal harmony, and balances excessive emotionality.

Who is not recommended to wear according to their zodiac sign:

• Pisces;
• Virgos;
• Gemini.

To check who is suitable, you should take the stone in your palm and hold it for a few minutes. The magical mineral will not leave you indifferent; if positive emotions arise, you can use the stone to enhance energy. The zodiac sign does not always play a decisive role. People born on the 9th, 18th and 27th should pay attention to the black mineral.

What stones does hematite go with?

If with regard to metals jewelers have no doubts about combinations and the favorite tandem is the pair hematite - silver, then with stones the situation is more complicated.

1. It is most harmoniously combined with stones: aventurine, diamonds, amethysts, beryl, turquoise, heliotrope, hyacinth, emeralds and chrysoprase.
2. The following combinations do occur, but you need to treat them with caution. It is possible, but not advisable, to combine bloodstone with: aquamarine, rock crystal, garnet, moonstone, opal, ruby ​​and jasper.

Questions/Answers

Have questions? Ask them, we will try to answer.

How to distinguish a fake?

Simply identify by the color of the stroke. In hematite it is dark red. It is checked this way: take an earthenware or porcelain vessel (cup, mug). Their bottom is usually unglazed. Draw a line along this rough surface with a stone. In real hematite it is dark red, brown, almost black.

Externally, hematite is similar to obsidian, jet, even morion. The difference is the strong shine of the bloodstone and its heaviness .

Hematin is not hematite

Hematin is an artificially created stone. It was invented in the USA, in the wake of interest in magnetic therapy. Visually it is difficult to distinguish it from natural stone. The difference is in magnetic properties. In hematin they are much stronger.

So just try a magnet on your jewelry. The jewelry will attract you - it’s not hematite in your hands...

Important : hematin products should not be used by people with heart implants or pregnant women. Children should not wear them.

How to care?

The stone does not require any special care when caring.

1. We remove dirt with soapy water and rinse with cool water. After this, it is advisable to wipe dry with a cotton napkin.
2. Store jewelry in a separate case, a bag made of thick fabric.
3. Keep away from household chemicals and cosmetics.
4. It is not advisable to use ultrasonic and steam cleaning.

How to wear?

The stone looks great in a silver frame. But for magical actions, it is preferable to set the gem in copper.

To manifest the magical properties of the stone, the Chinese wear it in a silk bag (purse) on a silk thread.

Note : esotericists are sure that rings with Yang stones should be worn on the index and ring fingers, and Yin stones on the middle and little fingers.

What is the price?

Today we’ll take a look at the websites of designer jewelry.

What colors are there?

The color ranges from dark gray to black. There are red, burgundy, gray colors. The shine is approaching metallic.

Where can I buy?

Depends on the place of purchase. If you buy in posh jewelry stores, remember that the price of jewelry also includes the overhead costs of the store owners.

On the other hand, you can buy fake jewelry in dubious jewelry stalls.

When is the best time to buy?

Esotericists believe that it is advisable to buy a “black diamond” on the 17th lunar day. Do not put it on right away, cleanse the energy of the stone with running water, let it lie in the light, on a window. Wear jewelry on the 3rd lunar day.

What stones does it go with?

“Black Diamond” is not very sociable with other stones, and gets along well without “neighbors”.

Will tolerate the proximity of agates, emeralds, sapphires.

An undesirable combination is hematite with carnelian or amber.

Favorable time to buy

Heart made of hematite
To enter into resonance with a stone, it is necessary to take into account the rhythms of the lunar month.

It is advisable to purchase a product made from a natural mineral on the day when it has the lowest energy potential.

For hematite, such a day is the 17th lunar day, when you should make a purchase. Then, up to the 3rd lunar day, the antiphase day, you need to take the stone in your hands every day to build a strong energetic interaction.

Bloodstone is not suitable for everyone, as follows from esoteric sources. Everyone is free to make their own choice regarding the purchase of this mineral. It has a relatively low price and is easy to maintain. Jewelry created by a jeweler will make its owner stand out against the general background. Hematite is also suitable as a material for interior decoration elements.

How to wear and care

Jewelry made from hematite is designed for a certain circle of consumers, which does not include children and people with conservative preferences.

Hematite bloodstone pendant

The magnetic steel luster and mysterious halo attract the following categories of connoisseurs to the stone:

• public figures and representatives of creative professions;
• people in leadership positions. Author's works in gold and silver emphasize the dominant role of the leader, which is why such decoration is chosen intuitively or according to the recommendations of lithotherapists;
• young people leading an active nightlife wear hematite jewelry to clubs and parties;
• Informals of all stripes prefer the bloodstone for its ability to attract glances.

This mineral is naturally fragile and therefore requires careful care. Does not tolerate falls; constant friction can cause it to crumble. Dust and other contaminants are removed from the surface of the stone with a suede, flannel or wool cloth.

Interesting Facts

1. In 2004, having discovered bloodstone on Mars, scientists put forward a hypothesis according to which the bloody color of this planet is explained by the high content of this particular mineral in the Martian soil.
2. The most valuable are jewelry made from a rare variety of mineral that has a beautiful blue tint and is mined from a single deposit located in Kazakhstan.

Sources and literature

1. V.V. Dobrovolsky. Geology, mineralogy, dynamic geology, petrography. - Moscow: VLADOS, 2001. - P. 69-70. — 320 s.
2. M. I. Kadenskaya. Guide to practical classes in mineralogy and petrography. - Moscow: Education, 1976. - P. 192-193. — 230 s.
3. Victor Sletov. Mineral HEMATITE and its varieties.
4. Hematite. Since ancient times // “Minerals. Treasures of the Earth": Weekly publication. - 2011. - ISSN 2075-0587.
5. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematite // ru.wikipedia.org “Hematite”.
6. Iron shine // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.

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