HEMATITE

Hematite is a common iron oxide compound with the chemical formula, Fe2O3. Hematite is considered one of the finest iron ores in the world, and is also considered one of the most important pigment minerals. Additionally, it is electrically conductive and paramagnetic. Hematite varieties include kidney ore: which is often found as a botryoidal, or bubbly, variety; crystals of martite: which are pseudomorphs after magnetite; Less frequently: well-formed crystals of iron rosettes; as well as micaceous, or specular, hematite, which often displays a shimmering effect of light distribution, sometimes called “druzy”. While these forms vary, they all have a rust-red streak. Hematite is harder than pure iron, but is also much more brittle, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. It naturally occurs in colors of black to silver or gray, brown to reddish-brown, or vibrant red shades. On rare occurrences, it can also display a rainbow of iridescent color, resulting from the addition of impurities within the structure and their subsequent interactions with oxygen.

HEMATITE MINING AND USES

The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood, or haima, due to the common red streak and coloration found in most varieties. The color of ground hematite was often used as a pigment in textiles and artistry, with archeological evidences of its use as a red chalk in writing, drawing, and decoration being linked to the earliest forms of expression in human history. To date, the earliest known human use of the red and powdery mineral was roughly 164,000 years ago by the inhabitants of the Pinnacle Point caves in what is now known as South Mossel Bay, South Africa. For its modern-day industrial resource, hematite is an incredibly important ore of iron. It is also commonly employed in the areas of medical equipment, shipping industry and ballast manufacture, and coal production.

Additionally, hematite discoveries on our celestial neighbor, Mars, indicate the once abundant presence of water on the now barren, red planet. Terrestrial hematite is a mineral most typically formed within aqueous environments, or by aqueous alteration of the environment. In-situ rock investigations by the Opportunity Rover, which was in operation from 2004 through 2018, showed a significant amount of hematite at surface level, much of it in the form of small conglomerates of gray hematite spherules. Further analysis indicated that these spherules are concretions formed from a water solution, giving even further insight into the planet’s aqueous past. These findings gave way to unprecedented research and theory on Mars likely capability to have once housed ancient forms of early life.

HEMATITE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, hematite is considered a stone of the Root Chakra. It is said that hematite can aid its user in finding stability and protection when faced with chaotic and stressful situations. A stone of foundation, hematite is said to bring about concrete solutions and decisive thinking habits. When faced with unpleasant high energy situations, hematite can aid its user by creating a grounded space for decompression and peace. Physically, hematite is said to assist the body with healthy blood flow and white blood cell formation. It is also said to aid the body with iron absorption and anemia, as well as helping in the correction of spinal alignment and bone fractures.