Hematite pebble China A

35-40mm Chinese hematite pebble
Patterns and colors may vary from one stone to another.

Hematite is essentially composed of oxygen, iron, titanium, aluminum, manganese and a large amount of water. It belongs to the oxide family, it is even the most common iron oxide on Earth. It has also been found on Mars. Its iron content, lower than that of magnetite, can reach 70%.

This mineral appears black to silver gray, brown to red or completely red. Exposed to water and crushed, it is very friable and easily reduces to the form of a blood-red powder. This particularity gave it its name “haematites” in Latin, coming from “haima” in Greek, meaning blood. The more finely grained the varieties of hematite, the more the red color is present.

This mineral is found in metamorphic rocks, in sedimentary rocks, in hydrothermal environments, in eruptive rocks, but also following the emanation of gas from volcanoes. The hardness of hematite is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Thus, the appearance of hematite varies depending on its composition, its location and the temperature during its crystallization. It can therefore be in the form of lamellae, granular masses, columns, short crystals, etc. Hematite inclusions in various minerals give them a magnificent effect and are highly sought after.

Since prehistoric times, hematite has been used by humans, particularly homo sapiens. In fact, they used it as body paint. Then, the hematite, in its red form, was crushed and diluted in water. We find its traces on the prehistoric frescoes of the Chauvet cave dating back 30,000 years, then on those of the Lascaux cave, dating back around 20,000 years. The first hematite mines have been exploited for approximately 10,000 years.

Persian and Babylonian civilizations made many hematite cylinders. They hung them around their necks to benefit from their magical and protective powers. A number of these cylinders have been found dating back 4,000 years.

The Egyptians engraved hematite, then considered a precious stone. Mirrors, belonging to rich Egyptian women, are made and chiseled in hematite. Furthermore, they painted their lips with ocher-colored hematite reduced to powder. Hematite powder was known to ward off bad luck and illness.

The Greeks and Romans attributed many virtues to crushed hematite, notably that of healing the eyes, and even restoring sight. It is said that it also helped treat wounds, burns and stop bleeding on the battlefield. It was also apparently very effective against venomous animal bites and poison in general.

In the Middle Ages, powdered hematite was one of the main components of grisaille, a relatively particular paint. This type of glass painting adorns many stained glass windows or other masterpieces in cathedrals and churches.

From the 15th century, hematite-based paint was used for the colors of faces in portrait painting. Then during the Renaissance era, Leonardo da Vinci used chalk sticks made of hematite.

Today, hematite is still used in the production of iron and in the manufacture of cosmetics. It is found in metallurgy or in the form of aggregates in the composition of heavy concrete. It often happens that many specimens are used in jewelry or are simply collected by lovers of beautiful stones.

The main deposits are in China, Brazil, Argentina, France, etc.

Hematite is a stone of anchoring and harmony. It brings people who are a little too dreamy back to reality. This stone develops the sense of listening, both to others and to oneself. She also learns patience and compassion. It thus provides quality relationships.

This mineral gives strength and courage, in order to calmly face the difficulties of life. It helps to overcome shyness, doubts and lack of self-confidence. Hematite generates confidence, energy and optimism.

It allows you to assert yourself and strengthen your will. Thus, it is also recommended to combat addictions and compulsive behaviors (smoking, alcoholism, bulimia, anorexia).

Hematite is known to stimulate concentration and memory. It is ideal for students, people undergoing retraining or professional training. Above all, it facilitates the study of technical and scientific subjects.

Hematite is said to help people who are too angry or too nervous to find calm. She teaches them to analyze events calmly and with perspective. It allows you to overcome all kinds of fears and phobias. Furthermore, it provides quality sleep by keeping away anxiety.