Hematite
Physical Information
Hematite is an iron oxide mineral and one of the most important iron ores in the world. Polished hematite has a shiny, metallic look in steel-grey to black, and it feels heavy in the hand. When it is ground into powder, it shows a reddish-brown colour. This red streak is a key way to identify it. People have used it as a red pigment since ancient times.
Hematite forms in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in iron-rich environments, often when iron settles out of water. It has a hardness of about 5.5 to 6.5. Many shiny, strongly magnetic "hematite" beads are actually a man-made material (often called hematine). Natural hematite is only very weakly magnetic. Avoid soaking it in water.
Metaphysical Properties
Hematite is known as a stone of grounding and protection. It is believed to absorb negative energy and help you feel calm and steady. Many people use it to support focus and concentration, for example when studying or working.
It is associated with the root chakra, the energy centre linked to stability and a sense of safety. Some people carry a hematite stone or wear a bracelet on stressful days. Others use it after meditation to feel present and back in the body.
