Hematite: Meaning, origin and properties

Hematite, a natural stone with a steel-gray hue and metallic reflections, has fascinated people since prehistoric times. A symbol of strength and anchorage, it is as popular in jewelry as it is in lithotherapy. Whether you're a beginner looking for inspiration or an expert in jewelry design, hematite stone offers a world of possibilities to discover. Discover our hematite stone beads and jewelry components and make beautiful DIY jewelry inspired by our natural stone jewelry.

The meaning of hematite

The name of this gemstone comes from the Latin "haematites" meaning "blood". It is sometimes called "oligiste" or "bloodstone".

The origin of hematite

This natural stone was already known in the Upper Paleolithic period. Homo Sapiens ground it to a powder, mixed it with water and used it as a red pigment to paint cave drawings. If you go to the Chauvet caves, you can admire reindeer and bison painted with hematite.
The Egyptians used it to make cosmetics such as lipstick and blush.
The Romans, like the Amerindians, also used hematite to makeprotectiveamulets and talismans. They believed it would protect them from curses and negative energies.

Amerindians were convinced that this gemstone enhanced the effectiveness of shamanic rites.

In the Middle Ages, it was cut to make jewelry and decorative objects, as well as cosmetics. Once ground, artists used it as a pigment to paint frescoes in cathedrals and churches.

Today, hematite is the main iron ore used in the production of steel, cast iron and numerous alloys. It is also frequently used in drilling, heavy concrete design, radiation shields and counterweights.

What color is hematite?

Hematite is an opaque stone, usually gray, silver or black, with a metallic sheen. It can also show shades of red, brown and even blood-red when polished.

Where to find hematite?

The main deposits are in England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, the USA, France, Italy, Norway and Canada. And it could even be found on Mars! In fact, in 2004, an American probe found raw hematite on the Red Planet.

What are hematite's properties?

This fine stone (formerly known as"semi-precious stone") is composed mainly of iron oxide, but also manganese, titanium and aluminum. It has a hardness of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 4.9g/cm³ and 5.3g/cm³.

What are the benefits of hematite?

In lithotherapy, hematite is considered a connecting stone with strong energy and anchoring potential. It protects and balances body and mind.
It is said to boost self-confidence and facilitate communication. The natural stone hematite is said to be a powerful shield, ideal for dissipating negative energies.

Which chakra does hematite act on? Hematite acts primarily on the root chakra (1st chakra) and the sacral chakra. By working on the root chakra, hematite can help restore balance and serenity to daily life.

It's the ideal stone for natives of Capricorn, Aries and Scorpio.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How is hematite recharged?

Lithotherapists recommend regular purification of this gemstone to eliminate the negative energies it has accumulated.
To purify it, place it for a few hours in a container of distilled or salt water.
To recharge it, simply place it for a few hours under the sun's rays or overnight under the moon's rays. To intensify this action, place hematite on a quartz cluster or in an amethyst geode.

How to wear hematite

The silver color blends perfectly with the dark tone of the hematite stone. To make jewelry to match your everyday outfits, use 925 silver or stainless steel jewelry primers.
Gold-coloured jewelry primers, such as Gold Filled, Gold Plated,925 Silver Gilded orStainless Steel Gilded, add a touch of warmth to hematite. The contrast between the coolness of the metal and the warmth of the gold is an ideal combination for creating classic, elegant jewelry.

In lithotherapy, hematite is often associated with other stones to create combinations that are believed to bring different benefits or balance certain energies.

What stones can be combined with hematite?

• With rose quartz to balance emotions and promote a sense of well-being.
• With amethyst to aid meditation.
• With red jasper to boost self-confidence.
• With black onyx to ward off negative energies.
• With labradorite to stimulate intuition.
• With black obsidian to strengthen protection against negative energies.
• With citrine to balance emotions.