Modern and Historical Uses of Hematite

Hematite has a significant history, due to its shiny, metallic and slightly magnetic properties, with colors varying from metallic gray to earthy red. In fact, hematite jewelry is this author's favorite, and she wears it often to compliment various outfits.

When found, most hematite is streaked with red, consisting primarily of iron, despite the type of hematite. A large supply of hematitic banded iron is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan due to its iron mines. A new process called magnetation uses huge magnets to remove waste hematite from old mine tailings in Minnesota's Mesabi Range iron district.

Uses of hematite have varied over the years. Hematite red chalk residues have been found in old graveyards from 80,000 years ago. Near Rydno in Poland and Lovas in Hungary, palaeolitic red chalk mines have been found that are from 5000 BC, belonging to the Linear Pottery culture at the Upper Rhine. Ancient Egyptians made cylindrical seals out of hematite and used them to roll impressions onto clay tablets or pottery. (see photo) It is also used in art such as intaglio engraved gems. It was used as a pigment in various paints, especially with the red portion of the mineral. The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood because hematite can be red, as in rouge, a powdered form of hematite.

Hematite has been used by mineral and crystal healers because of Hematite's association with blood. They use it in their rituals for treating blood-related illnesses such as hemophilia, anemia, heart, kidney and liver diseases, cardio-vascular weakness, menstrual cramps, and nose bleeds. Healers recommend hematite for use in treating the stress of jet lag, birth and surgery, tumors, insomnia, leg cramps, nervous disorders and fevers. Hematite was also a Native American remedy for dental problems, pimples, canker sores and alcohol abuse.

Hematite's popularity in jewelry was at its highest in Europe during the Victorian era from 1837 to 1901 during Queen Victoria's reign in the United Kingdom. Since then, hematite has seen a strong resurgence in North America, especially in the western United States. During this Examiner's trip to the Bahamas, homemade hematite jewelery compliments shell jewelry in many shops. Some modern forms of Hematite in jewelery or statues such as an Egyptian ankh with hematite, a hematite bead bracelet or even a crystal wand.

Do you own any hematite? If so, please write about it! Please leave a comment! To share this article with others on Facebook, Myspace, or other sites, click on "Share" at the top of this page.

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