Hematite

The blood-red pigment of precious Hematite speaks to its incredibly high iron content. The Ancient Greeks were obsessed with this stone, and they named it Haima, which in the old Latin tongue is the Greek word for blood. A pleasant weight in the hand, and shot through with metallic shades of silver, Hematite has the same luster and vibe as a midnight sky littered with stars, maybe on a night when the planet Mars is glinting.

Throughout history, Hematite has been known as a stone of great healing power and also for its ability to serve as a protective cloak. The Iron Rose as it was sometimes called has long left an impression on the earth. Far back in history, the stone was considered to be an early form of a mirror thanks to its reflective sheen. It was also ground down into powdered pigment for artists – even used by prehistoric man for etching his ideas on the walls of caves. It was smeared onto the faces of Native Americans and used as war paint. In its full form, Hematite adorned the tombs of the pharaohs. As you can see the spanning history covers everything from art to elite status and the powers of protection. It’s been an incredible part of our history.

Hematite is harder than your average crystal, it's dense and heavy and comes from the depths of South Africa and the warm-blooded lands of Brazil. It is also found in the winter wonderlands of French-speaking Quebec around the shores of Lake Superior. It can also be plucked from the snowy peaks of Switzerland. 

For three thousand years, Hematite has been associated with magic and blood. It was used to prevent excessive bleeding in both the birthing bed and the battleground. It was worn by farmers and magicians to protect against curses and spells, and it’s always been a stone that keeps the wearer well and truly grounded. For those who want to dig deep into the healing properties of Hematite, keep reading.