Hematite

Product Details

Hematite

Hematite is an important ore of iron and its blood red color (in the powdered form) lends itself well to use as a pigment. Hematite gets its name from a Greek word meaning blood-like because of the color of its powder. Ancient superstition held that large deposits of hematite formed from battles that were fought and the subsequent blood that flowed into the ground. Crystals of Hematite are considered rare and are sought after by collectors as are fine Kidney Ore specimens.

Hematite is sometimes used in jewelry, either as black reflective stones or as a jewelry piece itself (such as a ring). Some jewelry is marketed as "magnetic hematite". I believe that is more likely another iron oxide, magnetite.

The "not really a true mineral" known as Limonite is a mixture of hematite, Goethite, and possibly other similar hydrated oxides and hydroxides. Hematite is a primary component of ordinary rust, but the porosity, softness, and flakiness of rust is likely due to goethite.

The beautiful iridescent coating sometimes found on hematite is due to Turgite, still another "not really a" mineral composed of a mixture of hematite and goethite and sometimes described as being a hydrated hematite.

“Hematite Varieties” Hematite has several varieties, each with their own unique names: (1) Hematite Rose: Hematite Rose is a circular arrangement of bladed crystals giving the appearance of the flower of a rose. (2) Tiger Iron: Tiger Iron is a sedimentary deposit of approximately 2.2 billion years old that consists of alternating layers of silver gray hematite and red jasper, chert or even tiger eye quartz.. (3) Kidney Ore: Kidney Ore is the massive botryoidal form and gives the appearance of lumpy kidney-like masses. (4) Oolitic Hematite: Oolitic Hematite is a sedimentary formation that has a reddish brown color and an earthy luster and is composed of small rounded grains. (5) Specularite: Specularite is a micaceous (containing or resembling mica) or flaky stone that is sparkling silver gray and sometimes used as an ornamental stone.