HEMATITE

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SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Hematite is a steel-grey, red, reddish brown, or black iron oxide. The chemistry is Fe203. One of the most unique things about this mineral is its streak, which is normally blood red, but sometimes cherry or brownish. The hardness is from 5 to 6.

ENVIRONMENT: The former huge bodies of iron ore, composed largely of hematite, worked in the Lake Superior region are of sedimentary origin. Hematite has formed also in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It occurs with biotite, albite, and barite in carbonatites; with diopside and epidote in hornfels of contact and regional metamorphic rocks; with quartz and siderite in mesothermal and epithermal veins; and with fluorite, barite, and calcite in lode and disseminated replacement deposits.

OCCURRENCE: Hematite has been reported from many localities in North America. It occurs as dark reddish-brown reniform masses in the iron mines of Michigan and Minnesota, and on Aztec Peak, Gila Co., Arizona. Sharp, brilliant black hematite crystals occur with quartz near Bouse, Yuma Co., Arizona.

NAME: The name "hematite" is from the Greek [haimatites,] meaning "bloodlike," which is in reference to the vivid red color of the powdered mineral.

LEGEND and LORE: Hematite was used by Galen for inflamed eyelids and headaches, and by Pliny for blood disorders. Egyptians valued it as a cure for hysteria. Azchalias asserted that Hematite, when used as a talisman, procured for the wearer a favorable hearing of petitions addressed to kings and a fortunate issue of lawsuits and judgements.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Hematite has long been associated with psychic awareness. In addition, some people believe that it assists in astral travel. "A scrying: In a darkened room, light a red candle. Settle before it and hold a large piece of hematite so that the candle's flame is reflected on it. Gaze at the reflection and visualize a question. The answer will come to you." (Cunningham)

HEALING: Hematite is a principal blood purifier among stone healers. It can be placed anywhere on the body for this purpose, or worn as a ring, pendant or necklace for continuous healing. It is also considered a grounding stone, which makes it useful for those people who have difficulty concentrating on the "here-and-now". Shamans historically have believed that Hematite, placed over the location of an illness, will draw the "spirit" of the illness out of the patient and into itself.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I use Hematite as a blood purifier, placing it over the spleen, liver or kidneys as needed. I also use it often as a grounding stone, placing it near or on the feet before working on the higher Chakras. One interesting thing that I've noted on many occasions: Those interested in financial matters (usually those who want more money, but don't want to work very hard for it!) seem to be drawn to Hematite. Also those individuals with a high number of "eights" in their numerological charts seem to be drawn to this mineral.

NOTES: Hematite is the principal ore of iron.

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1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".

2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic", by Scott Cunningham.

3. Some of the healing information may come from "Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner.

4. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

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HEMATITE: Iron based. Used for grounding and stabilizing purposes - to focus on the physical plane. Has a great deal of magnetism. It will draw in the energy of the universe. powerful in drawing illness from the body. Good for kidneys. Lowers high blood pressure. It brings a greater attunement. Eliminates spaciness and strengthens the intuition. Promotes common sense.

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

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Hematite: Has positive effect upon bloodstream. Activates spleen, increases resistance to stress. Helps circulate oxygen throughout body. Strengthens physical and etheric bodies. Energizing, vitalizing. Enhances personal magnetism, optimism, will, courage. Slightly grounding. Powerful stone for those attracted to it.

By Legion of Light