Perhaps you have seen mysterious jewelry made of a piercing black mineral with a mesmerizing metallic sheen on the hands of media people and the powers that be? Most likely, these jewelry are made of hematite - the mysterious “father” of ordinary iron.
So why don’t these obviously wealthy people part with inexpensive jewelry? Yes, this is a trend, but not only that. Hematite is endowed not only with a peculiar gloomy aesthetic, but also with other properties: according to lithotherapists, this mineral has healing properties, and esotericists revere it for its magical qualities.
History, origin
It is believed that the properties of hematite were first studied by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus in 315 BC .
He gave the name to the stone, which translated from Greek means “bloody.” In Ancient Rus' it was called krovavik, since at the fractures it resembles dried blood. Many peoples used hematite powder as a dye. Ancient people made drawings in caves using hematite paint, and North American Indians used powder from this stone as a red pigment for paints that were applied to the body.
The Aztecs used specularite, a mica-like variety of hematite, as a mirror.
In Ancient Egypt, it was an attribute of rituals in honor of the goddess Isis. The Egyptians believed that the main meaning of hematite for humans was that this stone with the image of a scarab beetle was a talisman against evil forces.
In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, warriors considered this mineral to protect them from injury and death during battles. Alexander the Great had a ring with hematite, which he believed gave invulnerability in battle. Since then, it has become fashionable to wear amulets rings “like the Macedonian.”
The Slavs used bloodstone to stop bleeding in women in labor and wounded soldiers.
Indians consider this mineral a symbol of wisdom.
For early Christians, he personified the blood of Jesus Christ, shed to save people.
In the Middle Ages in Europe, hematite was in great demand by alchemists: they tried to get gold from it, prepared potions from the stone, and made magic mirrors.
Hematite is formed as a result of the transformation of iron oxide during hydrothermal processes from rocks such as limonite, magnetite, siderite. In addition, crystallization of magma leads to the formation of the mineral.
Hematite (bloodstone) for Virgo
Virgos sometimes suffer from a lack of energy and increased fatigue. The stone will help fill this deficiency, giving Virgo vigor, confidence and harmony. Responsibility is a wonderful quality, however, its excess can harm its owner. This can give rise to excessive worry, increased anxiety, and subsequently diseases of the central nervous system. To prevent this from happening, Virgo should pay special attention to the cherry-colored mineral. It will help stabilize your condition, properly distribute energy and set priorities.
Bloodstone hematite will allow a male Virgo to find his other half, and if he is already in a relationship, to build a truly strong, happy family. Among the varieties of this mineral, a man should turn to the black type. It is this stone that will make a man softer, more understanding, patient, and desirable to the opposite sex.
Physicochemical characteristics
Hematite is a mineral that is a chemical compound of iron and oxygen.
Synonyms: iron luster, (obsolete), red iron ore, bloodstone.
- Chemical formula - Fe2O3 .
- Color: in crystals - from dark steel to black, in powdery and cryptocrystalline varieties - cherry red.
- Luster - from semi-metallic to metallic, matte.
- Transparency - translucent, transparent in thin plates.
- Hardness - 5,5–6.
- Density - 4.9–5.3 g / cm3 .
- Pleochroism is weak.
- Melting point - 1565°C .
This mineral is hard but brittle; slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid.
Crystal Shapes:
- flattened, tabular or lamellar, often arranged like rose petals (“iron rose”);
- euhedral isometric.
There are aggregates of granular and scaly structure.
Form of being in nature
The shape of the crystals is varied: rhombohedral, tabular - mainly in crystals formed from hydrothermal and gas solutions; isometrically developed crystals are observed (mainly in contact-metasomatic deposits); prismatic crystals are rare. On (0001) there is shading in three directions parallel to the edges (0001): (1011), triangular depressions, also triangular growth pyramids, signs of spiral growth, natural etching, etc.
Doubles
Twins of germination and fusion along (0001) with a fusion plane (1010); twins along (1011) with an angle between basopinacoids equal to 64°48 are very common; Moreover, often small crystals, when growing in a twin position on a larger tabular crystal, are located differently - at an angle of 120° to each other. Twinning may be caused by the pressure experienced by the crystals. Sliding along T (0001), t [1010]. Characteristic are intergrowths of thin-plate crystals (individual plates grow with faces with (0001) almost parallel to each other), composing the so-called iron roses, which may be the result of spiral growth of crystals.
An oriented mutual growth of it and ilmenite (“Washingtonites”) is observed - the result of the decomposition of solid solutions: ilmenite plates are parallel to (0001) or (1011); oriented plates in ilmenite are also noted, oriented parallel to (0001) ilmenite; There are parallel intergrowths of hematite and ilmenite crystals along (0001). Hematite crystals sometimes naturally grow with a (0001) plane on the face of the octahedron of magnetite or spinel; its oriented intergrowths with magnetite are observed under a microscope among the decomposition products of solid solutions: (111) and [110] magnetite in parallel with (0001) and [1010] hematite.
Rutile forms oriented growths on hematite: (100) and (101) rutile parallel to (0001) and (1010) hematite. An oriented growth of pseudobrookite crystals onto hematite crystals was also observed: (121) and [210] pseudobrookite in parallel with (0001) and [1010] hematite; when replacing wolframite: (0001) and [1120] hematite in parallel with (100) and [001] wolframite. Its natural intergrowth with quartz is described: (1010) and [0001] quartz in parallel with (0001) and [1120]. Regular ingrowths of hematite in muscovite were noted with the arrangement of hematite inclusions on (001) mica in three directions at an angle of 60° and the formation of a lattice, which causes the phenomenon of asterism in mica. Acicular inclusions of hematite in corundum with mutually parallel axes of both minerals are known. Regularly arranged hematite flakes are found in carnallite: (0001) and [1120] hematite parallel to (001) and [110] or [100] carnallite; also parallel to (130) and [001] of carnallite; in sylvine: (0001) hematite parallel to (100), (111) or less commonly papal to (110) sylvine; in cancrinite: (0001) hematite parallel to (1010) or (1120) cancrinite; in feldspar, (0001) hematite is parallel to a number of feldspar faces; in calcite (siderite) with hematite ingrowths, the faces (1120) of both minerals are sometimes parallel.
Intergrowths in quartz , microcline, acidic plagioclase and caliber feldspar give these minerals a beautiful sparkling-golden sheen (aventurine, sunstone). Inclusions of the smallest mineral plates color some minerals red (carnallite, sylvite, heulandite, cancrinite, etc.).
Aggregates. Usually found in the form of dense, finely crystalline, scaly or leafy accumulations, as well as in earthy masses and sinter aggregates. In the latter case, it is called red iron ore. Sometimes concentrically layered and radially radiate, sintered, reniform and oolitic.
Leaks. Mineralogical plumb line
Place of Birth
Hematite is widespread in nature and often forms clusters and ore deposits.
The largest mining sites:
- Europe: Czech Republic, Ukraine, (Krivbass), Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland.
- Asia: China, Mongolia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan.
- Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Algeria.
- America: Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, USA (Alaska and Michigan).
In Russia, hematite is mined in the Komi Republic, Karelia, Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk regions, in the Mikhailovskoye and Yakovlevskoye deposits of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly.
Colors and varieties
Hematite happens:
- rich black color with a metallic sheen;
- gray with a steel tint and red splashes;
- crimson-red color.
The shine of the mineral often accompanies the effect of a gasoline film.
The forms of release of this mineral are different:
- Specularite (iron mica) , it has a scaly structure and a mirror-like luster.
- Iron sour cream - the scales are easily soiled and greasy to the touch.
- Iron Rose - flat crystals grow in a spiral starting from the center.
- Red glass head are oolites that resemble balls with kidney-shaped growths.
All these forms of stone are identical in chemical composition, but their properties and uses are influenced by impurities.
Hematite (bloodstone) for Libra
The Libra woman is very often in constant vacillation between common sense and emotions. Because of this, it may be difficult for her to make decisions and make choices. Using this mineral will help activate logical thinking, make the right decision in time, and avoid undesirable consequences. In addition, the mineral helps improve health. It has a particularly beneficial effect on women's health.
If a man has a need to protect himself from the bad intentions of strangers, he should turn to the help of red bloodstone hematite. Such a mineral will perform the function of protection and a powerful amulet for a man. In general, hematite bloodstone will become a home healer for Libra and get rid of many diseases. If you need to improve family life, it is better to take a red stone.
Application
Hematite is considered a jewelry and ornamental stone. It is used in various fields:
- Industry. Hematite ore is used to smelt iron and steel. Hematite powder is used in the production of linoleum, oilcloth, enamel paints, red pencils, and is used as a base for red ocher for painting.
- Decorative and applied arts. Hematite is used in finishing and interior decoration; small carved items are made from it, it is used as a material in glyptics, mirror frames, caskets, and massage balls are made.
- Jewelry making. Since hematite is fragile and opaque, cabochons are made from it for rings, earrings, beads, and brooches. The stone is framed in steel, titanium, cupronickel, and coated jewelry alloys. “Iron roses” are not cut; they are dressed in their natural form in metal, often in silver, very rarely in gold.
Medicinal properties
A lot of experience has been accumulated in the art of healing with the help of hematite, because its healing properties have been discovered for a very long time. What is important for a person is a weakly expressed magnetic impulse, which, by gently influencing the body, normalizes many of its vital processes. Many people, after exposure to the stone, begin to feel more energetic and relieve stress.
Having decided to use the healing properties of the stone, you should not stop taking the medications recommended by your doctor. If ailments occur, you should consult a doctor, and lithotherapy will be an aid in treatment.
According to lithotherapists, hematite has a positive effect on the circulatory system. They recommend applying this stone several times a day to the projection of organs with poor blood circulation and where there are blockages in blood vessels or swelling. A pendant worn around the neck can improve blood flow, and a ring on the ring finger or bracelet will be useful for vascular diseases.
Other medicinal properties are also attributed to bloodstone:
- Healing damaged skin.
- Improved hearing.
- Helps normalize the functioning of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and cardiovascular system.
- Ability to help with fractures.
- Improved metabolism.
- Stabilization of low blood pressure.
People suffering from hypertension should not wear jewelry with hematite or use it in treatment.
Magic properties
Hematite magic is mainly aimed at protecting the owner from negative energy. The importance of bloodstone for humans as a powerful amulet has been recognized since ancient times. Warriors, hoping that it would make them invulnerable to enemies, give them courage and strength, sewed pieces of this stone into their clothes, hid them in their shoes, and hung them around their necks.
The magical effect of hematite on a person helps in the following:
- Protects against the influence of dark forces.
- Does not allow you to make rash decisions.
- Develops intuition, fills with positive energy.
- Strengthens a person’s ability to influence others.
For the hematite amulet to be effective, it is recommended to wear it for no more than a week, and then clear it of the collected negative energy. To do this, you need to hold the bloodstone under running water for several minutes, reading mantras or prayers. It is useful to store hematite next to rock crystal, which gives it a powerful charge of positive energy.
It is believed that hematite, set in jewelry in silver or brass, better reveals its magical abilities. People with superpowers use a bloodstone framed in bronze or copper for magical rituals.
Conducting rituals and ceremonies with bloodstone should not be practiced by people inexperienced in magic. The magical power of this stone should be used only to serve people. Often the evil thoughts of the owner of hematite turn against him.
Rings and signet rings should be worn on the index finger (for men - on the right hand, for women - on the left hand). In this case, if the stone is set in silver, the owners will experience success in matters of the heart.
A hematite talisman will help women who want to climb the career ladder.
It will give men strength, masculinity, courage, and free them from unreasonable anger and rage.
To increase wealth, it is recommended to put small hematite in your wallet.
Hematite (bloodstone) for Cancer
As you know, confident people always attract a lot of attention, they are attractive, it is difficult to confuse them with anyone else, this applies especially to women. It is this quality that Cancers often lack. They are very prone to suspiciousness, shyness, and lack of self-confidence. The stone will help you acquire more determination, perseverance, and love of life. With his help, a woman will be able to discover new qualities and abilities, find her favorite hobbies, and realize herself. For sensitive Cancers, bloodstone hematite will serve as an excellent amulet.
A black stone would be an excellent choice for a man; it will help him overcome long-standing fears and doubts, give him a breath of fresh air and allow him to radically change his life. However, the properties of the amulet will not allow you to make hasty decisions and make mistakes. Bloodstone hematite will help Cancers achieve serious heights, not give up at the right moment, strengthen their business acumen and improve relationships with business partners.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Hematite is ruled by the planet Mars. The stone belongs to the element of Fire, but, according to astrologers, it is neutral for people born under the “fire” zodiac signs of Leo and Sagittarius .
From the fire trine, he helps only Aries . Hematite is also harmoniously horoscope compatible with people born under the constellations Cancer and Scorpio . The mineral gives these three zodiac signs determination, self-confidence, increases fortitude, helps get rid of excessive emotionality, and changes life for the better.
Besides:
Cancer will become more resilient, its vitality will increase, hidden talents will be revealed, and it will become more liberated. This stone will be a powerful amulet for Cancer, protecting against evil people and dark forces.
Scorpio will feel the influence of hematite energy in reducing their temper. This stone is suitable for him both as a talisman that promotes success in all matters, and as a talisman that protects him from any negative influence.
Hematite will also protect Aries The hematite talisman gives a person born under the sign of Aries vigor, good luck, develops his intuition and can even endow him with the gift of foresight.
The rest of the zodiac signs (except Virgo, Pisces, Gemini) should not wear this stone often. You need to monitor your well-being. If you feel discomfort, you should stop wearing the stone.
Virgo, Pisces, Gemini are energetically incompatible with hematite. Fluorite is suitable for these three zodiac signs in terms of energy. There are also stones that are ideally compatible for them:
- for Virgo and Gemini - agate, carnelian, tiger's eye, chrysoberyl;
- for Virgo and Pisces - aventurine, anhydrite (angelite), labradorite, sodalite;
- for Pisces and Gemini - blue agate, cacholong, euclase.
In addition, these zodiac signs have excellent compatibility with the following stones:
- Gemini - alunite, amazonite, andalusite, beryl, demantoid, emerald, kyanite, rhodonite, topaz, chrysoprase, citrine, charoite, ulexite, selenite.
- Virgo - howlite, serpentine, labradorite, rauchtopaz, pegmatite (a type of written granite), sardonyx, scapolite, cubic zirconia, peridot, jasper.
- Pisces - amethyst, ammolite, ammonite, aragonite, belomorite, pearl, coral, labradorite, morganite (sparrowite), morion, opal, orthoclase, prasiolite, rose quartz.
Some people are sure that the decisive role when choosing a stone is only whether positive emotions arise if you hold the stone in your palm for a few minutes. In this case, the zodiac sign does not always play a decisive role.
Read also : Shungite - a stone that improves water
Hematite (bloodstone) for Scorpio
In the case of Scorpio, the gem always works to enhance all the positive qualities of this sign. Scorpios have a strong will and firmness of character that cannot be taken away from them. They are hardworking and able to devote themselves to the same task for a long time. If Scorpio chooses bloodstone hematite as an amulet, success will not be long in coming. After all, the tandem of the strong energy of the stone and the positive qualities of the sign will certainly work. An important quality for a woman of this sign is femininity. With the help of the mineral, she will be able to increase her feminine charms and attract the attention of the men around her.
Scorpio men tend to be extremely ambitious. However, ambition alone is not enough to achieve success. The following qualities are required:
- Purposefulness;
- Strong will;
- Stress resistance;
- Ability to compromise;
- Persistence.
Hematite-bloodstone will certainly help you develop all these qualities. As in the case of a Scorpio woman, it enhances all the positive qualities of a man and allows you to achieve the desired result in any matter in the shortest possible time.
As for relationships, bloodstone hematite will help Scorpio find a middle ground. Sometimes selfish and self-confident, they can offend people around them. The stone will tell you how to avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings with loved ones.
Compatibility with other stones
Hematite goes harmoniously with the following stones:
- agate;
- heliotrope;
- emerald;
- sapphire.
You should not choose the following stones as neighbors for this mineral:
- aventurine;
- aquamarine;
- diamond;
- beryl;
- turquoise;
- heliodor;
- pearl;
- lapis lazuli;
- Moonstone;
- ruby;
- chrysolite;
- chrysoprase.
Hematite set in silver exhibits the most pronounced healing and magical properties.
How to wear and care
Hematite jewelry is made in different styles and suits any wardrobe. The jewelry can be worn all day, since the magnetic field of the stone is not very strong. It is advisable after three days of wearing.
Once a week, energetic cleaning of the stone is necessary: rinse under running cold water, it is better to hold it in running water for several minutes . Then wrap it in a soft cloth without wiping it, or just lay it out to dry. Once a month for 2-3 days the stone should be placed in the box to rest.
To recharge hematite with positive energy, you can leave it next to rock crystal for several days .
Hematite is fragile, so you need to care for it carefully and wear it carefully, especially with an active lifestyle.
The stone should be protected from falls and impacts; it can crumble from constant friction. It should not be stored next to other minerals. It is better to place it in a cloth bag and place it in the box away from other stones.
In summer, in sunny weather, it is better not to wear hematite jewelry, as the stone may crack, and burns may appear on the skin, since it gets very hot under the sun.
Dirt from hematite should be removed with a suede, flannel or woolen cloth.
Hematite (bloodstone) for Capricorn
People born under this sign are destined to use the mineral as an amulet. It will give its owner power over other people, for them she will become incredibly attractive. In addition, blood hematite can improve memory and speed up brain function. It will also protect you from emergencies and mortal dangers. However, if a spouse wants to please his beloved with jewelry made from this gem, he should think several times. After all, the desire to rule and manage will prevail over a woman and significantly complicate a man’s life.
If a man turns to this mineral for help, he will be able to resolve a number of issues that concern him. Hematite-bloodstone will help a male Capricorn to become more courageous, to believe in himself and his strength. If he is in search of a second half, then with this reliable amulet, success is guaranteed to be achieved.
Hematite-bloody will help you keep your mind clean, not commit rash acts, and always keep your words and promises.
As for health, the mineral will help in preventing and combating the following diseases:
- Arthrosis of bones and joints;
- Spasms and cramps;
- Kidney failure;
- Loss of blood circulation;
- Psoriasis.
How to distinguish from a fake
There are several ways to determine the authenticity of hematite:
- Pass the stone with force along the uneven unglazed surface of a porcelain or earthenware product. If a red line remains on it, then it is hematite.
- Check by weight - the mineral is much heavier than ceramics and most counterfeit analogues.
- If hematite is placed in a cold chamber for a while, after removal from there it will take a long time to heat up, unlike a fake.
Usually hematite is heterogeneous, it has inclusions and veins of a purplish-red color. In sunlight, a “gasoline overflow” is often visible on the surface of the stone.
Hematite (bloodstone) for Aquarius
Bloodstone hematite will have a particularly positive effect on Aquarians born in early February. However, it will not be useless for others either. It is better to choose a cherry-colored mineral. The stone will help a woman understand issues that have been troubling her for a long time. If she wants to attract wealth and prosperity to her home, she should pay attention to things made of stone and decorate her home with it. The energy of the gem is so strong that things will go well for all family members.
Men of this sign should pay attention to the black mineral. It will help its owner become confident, develop leadership skills, be resistant to stress and change, set priorities and generally streamline life processes. Bloodstone hematite is an excellent assistant in career development for Aquarius.
In addition, for older Aquarians, bloodstone hematite will become an excellent protector and amulet. If the representative of the sign is interested in music, the stone will also be a good help, because it develops hearing and improves vocal performance.
Price
Hematite is a semi-precious stone, its cost is not very high, but it largely depends on the cut - the more original it is, the higher the price of the product.
Examples of prices in Russian online stores:
- ring - 140 rub. ;
- necklace - 310 rub. ;
- bracelet - 521 rub. ;
- rosary bracelet - 542 rub. ;
- beads (45 cm) - 834 rub. ;
- hematite (iron rose) with quartz crystal - 990 rub.
Read also : Feldspar - the stone owner of the planet
