Hematite

About Hematite

Hematite is a metallic iron oxide displaying silver-grey to black lustre with a distinctive red streak. This powerful grounding stone has been used since ancient times for protection, strength, and connection to the earth, making it essential for anyone seeking stability and courage.

Crystal Properties

  • Mohs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
  • Chemical Composition: Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide)
  • Crystal System: Trigonal
  • Colour: Metallic silver-grey to black (red when powdered)
  • Chakra: Root Chakra
  • Element: Earth

Metaphysical Properties

Known as a stone of grounding and protection, Hematite absorbs negative energy while strengthening your connection to the earth. It's particularly valued for enhancing focus, boosting confidence, and providing energetic protection. Many use Hematite to stay grounded during spiritual work, overcome addictions, and maintain mental clarity and emotional stability.

How to Use Hematite

Carry Hematite for grounding and protection, hold it during meditation to anchor your energy, or place it at your root chakra to enhance earth connection. Its magnetic, grounding energy makes it perfect for staying centered and protected in challenging environments.

Caring for Your Hematite

  • Cleansing: Water-safe but avoid prolonged soaking as it may rust. Cleanse with sound bowls, sage smoke, or moonlight. Pat dry immediately if using water.
  • Charging: Moonlight preferred. Earth burial or place on selenite. Avoid prolonged sunlight.
  • Storage: Moderate hardness at Mohs 5.5-6.5. Store separately to prevent scratching softer stones.
  • Durability: Can rust when exposed to moisture over time. Keep dry and handle with care as it can be brittle.

Where Hematite is Found

Hematite is one of the most abundant iron oxide minerals on Earth, forming in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous environments. It often forms as a weathering product of iron-bearing minerals and can create spectacular kidney-shaped (botryoidal) formations.

Major deposits: Brazil, Australia (largest producer), China, India, USA (Michigan, Minnesota), Canada, Venezuela, and South Africa.

Australian Hematite is known for its high quality and metallic lustre, while Brazilian specimens often display beautiful botryoidal formations called 'kidney ore.'

Hematite Through History

Hematite has been used since prehistoric times - ancient cave paintings were created using red ochre (powdered Hematite). The name comes from the Greek word 'haima' meaning blood, referring to its red color when powdered or cut.

Ancient Egyptians used Hematite for protection and placed it in tombs. Roman soldiers rubbed their bodies with Hematite before battle, believing it made them invincible. Native American tribes used it as war paint and for ceremonial purposes.

In medieval times, Hematite was believed to staunch bleeding and was carried by warriors for protection. Today, it remains one of the most popular grounding stones for energy workers and those seeking stability.

Astrological Connections

  • Zodiac: Aries (primary), also Aquarius and Capricorn
  • Planetary: Mars and Saturn
  • Birth Stone: March (alternative birthstone)
  • Numerology: Number 9 (completion and wisdom)

Crystals That Pair Well With Hematite

Hematite works powerfully with other grounding and protective stones:

Explore Related Crystals

Similar Grounding & Protective Stones:

  • Obsidian - Protection and truth
  • Pyrite - Protection and manifestation
  • Galena - Grounding and transformation
  • Shungite - EMF protection and purification

✨ Complete Your Crystal Collection

This crystal is featured in our Earth Foundations Crystal Intention Set - a hand-curated collection of five powerful grounding stones designed to provide stability, protection, and energetic balance when life feels scattered or overwhelming.

The Earth Foundations Set includes: Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Hematite, Moss Agate, and Red Jasper

→ Shop the Earth Foundations Set

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