Considered a mineral, hematite is actually a type of iron
oxide. The material is usually black or gray. Occasionally it can also have
noticeable red colorations. It is interesting to note that it was the red color
that caused the material to receive its name. The mineral has been used as
pigmentation for writing utensils, makeup and clay. Nowadays, hematite is mined
in China, Brazil, Canada
and Great Britain.
Astrologists apportion the gray hematite to the Zodiac signs
of the Aries and Aquarius. The mineral’s power is said to come from Mars and
Mercury. As unofficial birth stones, the gems find usage in March as well as
December. Some hematite gems are cut into a rounded rock or flat appearance.
Highly polished, they become palm stones that owners keep in their pockets. You
may have noticed that some pieces are made into perfect spheres or egg shapes,
which come with a small show setting. They are suitable for a desktop display.
Other pieces are cut, polished and set in Sterling silver. The
darker the hematite, the more beautiful the offset between the mineral and the
metal. Mimicking black pearls just a little bit, still other pieces are cut
into identical spheres that are then polished and placed on a string. While
they are not intended to fool the eye into believing them to be black pearls,
they do take on this look from a distance.
Alternative healers ascribe numerous benefits to the
possession and wear of hematite gems. The mineral is credited with the
improvement of interpersonal relationships. Folks who are having difficult
dealings with a person are encouraged to carry a hematite palm stone or wear a
piece of hematite jewelry during the next meeting. The stone is said to prevent
you from prematurely judging a person, which of course greatly assists with the
improvement of all relationships that may be a bit difficult.
In ancient times, Egyptians ground up hematite and used it
in poultices to calm inflammation. When ingested, they believed that the
mineral could also cure hysteria. Interestingly, hematite jewelry and stones
were found as tomb offerings in pyramids. Assisting the Egyptian in the
afterlife, these stones were believed to help her or him regain energy and
protect against attacks. Roman warriors believed that the use of hematite in
armor and other gear would lead to invincibility. Native Americans ground up
the mineral and incorporated it in their face paint to give it a frightening
red tint.
Although hematite is very inexpensive, there are some
look-alikes on the market. Marketed as hemalyke or hematine, these pieces are
actually stainless steel. If you have your heart set on authentic hematite
gems, pay close attention to the spelling of the material.
At Peter Suchy Jewelers, we are expert gemologists and are
GIA Certified. We hope you’ll stop by our showroom located at 1137 High Ridge
Road in Stamford Connecticut.
If you enjoy shopping for vintage and estate jewelry online,
head on over to our PowerSeller eBay Store!
No comments:
Post a Comment