About Hematite

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Keep reading to discover more about hematite

  • Mineralogy and geology*
  • Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
  • Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Hematite

Note: If you encounter magnetic “hematite,” this is not true hematite. It is an artificially created magnetic material that contains NO natural hematite. It is widely marketed (especially in jewelry) as 'magnetic hematite' or simply 'hematite'. Often a ferrite magnet with the magnetoplumbite structure. 

Mineral formula: Fe2O3

Mineral group: member of the Hematite group

Crystal system: trigonal

Crystal habit: Crystals generally thick to thin tabular, rarely prismatic or scalenohedral; also rarely rhombohedral, producing pseudo-cubic crystals. Often found in sub-parallel growths or as rosettes ("iron roses.") Sometimes in micaceous to platy masses. May be compact columnar or fibrous masses, sometimes radiating, or in reniform masses with a smooth fracture ("kidney ore"), and botryoidal and stalactic. Frequently in earthy masses, also granular, friable to compact, concretionary and oolitic. 

Cleavage: none observed

Fracture: irregular, uneven, subconchoidal

Color: steel gray to black in crystalline ores; dull to reddish in earthy fine-grained masses.

Luster: metallic, submetallic, dull, earthy

Diaphaneity: opaque

Moh’s scale hardness: 5 - 6

Streak: reddish brown

Specific gravity: 5.26

Named after: "blood stone," about 300-325 BCE by Theophrastus from the Greek, "αιματίτις λίθος" ("aematitis lithos"). It is possibly the first mineral ever named ending with a "-ite" suffix. Translated in 79 by Pliny the Elder to haematites, "bloodlike", in allusion to the vivid red color of the powder. The modern form evolved by authors frequently simplifying the spelling by excluding the "a." 

Geological occurrence: Large ore bodies of hematite are usually of sedimentary origin; also found in high-grade ore bodies in metamorphic rocks due to contact metasomatism, and occasionally as a sublimate on igneous extrusive rocks ("lavas") as a result of volcanic activity. It is also usually the cause of red soils all over the planet. 

Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

Hematite is a “stone for the mind” helping you to figure things out, assisting memory, original thinking, and understanding mathematics and technical issues. It is useful for balancing and calming, and is good for the environment as well as the physical body.

According to Judy Hall (see below), hematite offers the power of magnetism.

Common Associations

  • Chakra – base
  • Numerology - vibrates to the number 9
  • Zodiac – Aries, Aquarius
  • Birthstone – none traditional
  • Wedding Anniversary – none traditional

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* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.

The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.

Crystal Muse (2017) Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, Hay House, 285 pp.

Crystal Gridwork (2018) Kiera Fogg, Weiser Books, 128 pp.