Hematite appears from silvery-gray or reddish to black in color. When cut as a gemstone, hematite is referred to as a black diamond. There is a synthetic version of hematite called hematine made of a mixture of stainless steel, and nickel and chromium sulfides, but it is magnetic and natural hematite is not.
The literal translation of hematite is bloodstone. While it is not the true bloodstone, or heliotrope, its scientific name of iron oxide, iron being a key ingredient of blood. In fact, the ancients believed the stone could bleed due to the red substance it produced when mixed with water for cutting or grinding. The earthy form of hematite, red ocher, has been found in Stone Age graves and is still used by “primitive” people as a sacred blood substitute. During the Iron Age, it was almost as valuable as gold.
As far back as ancient Egypt, hematite was used to treat hysteria and reduce inflammation. Headrests for Egyptian mummies were made of this material. A gem treatise from 63 BCE Babylon suggested that hematite could be used when going before a king to obtain a favorable response to a petition. By association, this would make it perfect for use in any impending lawsuit or judgment.
This gem is a powerful stone for those attracted to it. It is used in astral projection, and is slightly grounding. Hematite increases courage and tolerance to stressful situations, helping its user accept that the only limitations are created in the mind. It can be used for mental attunement, memory enhancement, original thinking, and technical knowledge, assisting in development of both mental and manual dexterity. Warriors benefit from this stone as it was sacred to the Roman war god Mars, and in general, it brings luck.
Hematite, as a source of iron, affects the blood and tissue regeneration through better oxygenation. It helps the kidneys, bladder, and spleen. This stone aids inflamed eyelids and headaches. It has been prescribed by mystics for high blood pressure, bloodshot eyes, muscle cramps, and ulcers. The stone is also suggested for menstrual difficulties, anemia, and other blood disorders. Hematite assists in relieving fevers. It can be placed on the forehead to this purpose.