Properties and advantages of hematite
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Very common on Earth, hematite is also found in abundance on Mars. In the form of a red powder, it colors the entire planet. There are Martian regions covered with hematites in the form of large metallic gray crystals, and scientists are wondering, because most often it is this mineralogical aspect that requires exposure to water during its formation. Then an ancient form of life, a plant, an animal or something else is possible...
Hematite, possibly indicative of life on Mars, has accompanied the progress of terrestrial mankind since the earliest prehistoric times. Discouraging in many ways," let me do something may be scaly or very soft, dull or shiny. Its colors also deceive us like fire under ashes, red is often hidden behind gray and black.
Jewelry and objects made of hematite
Mineralogical characteristics of hematite
Hematite, which is composed of oxygen and iron, is an oxide. Thus, it coexists with prestigious rubies and sapphires, but does not have the same origin or the same rarity. It is an extremely common iron ore. It originates in sedimentary rocks, in metamorphic rocks (whose structure has changed with an increase in temperature or high pressure), in hydrothermal environments, or in volcanic fumaroles. The iron content in it is somewhat lower than that of magnetite, it can reach 70%.
The hardness of hematite is average (from 5 to 6 on a 10-point scale). It is infusible and fairly resistant to acids. From a dull to metallic luster, it has an opaque appearance with usually grey, black, or brown hues, sometimes accompanied by reddish reflections. The finer grained varieties, the more red is present.
This feature is revealed when observing the hematite line, that is, the trace left after friction on raw porcelain (back side of the tile). Regardless of color, hematite always leaves a cherry red or reddish brown precipitate. This particular mark identifies him with certainty.
Hematite, unlike the aptly named magnetite, is not magnetic, but can become weakly magnetic when heated. The stones mistakenly called "magnetic hematites" are actually "hematines" obtained from a completely artificial composition.
appearance
The appearance of hematite varies greatly depending on factors related to its composition, its location, and the temperature present at the time of its creation. We observe thin or thick plates, granular masses, columns, short crystals, etc. Some forms are so special that they have their own name:
- Rosa de Fer: rosette-shaped micaceous hematite, an amazing and rare scaly aggregate.
- Specularity: mirror-like hematite, its highly lustrous lenticular appearance reflects light.
- L'oligist: well developed crystals, ornamental mineral of excellent quality.
- Red ocher: clayey and earthy form in the form of small and soft grains, used as a pigment since prehistoric times.
Inclusions of hematite in other stones such as rutile, jasper or quartz provide a dramatic effect and are highly sought after. We also know the beautiful heliolite, called sunstone, which sparkles due to the presence of hematite flakes.
Provenance
The largest and most amazing hematite crystals were mined in Brazil. Miners have discovered a rare combination of black hematite and yellow rutile in Itabira, Minas Gerais. There is also a very rare itabirite, which is a mica schist in which mica flakes are replaced by hematite.
Other particularly productive or notable places include: North America (Michigan, Minnesota, Lake Superior), Venezuela, South Africa, Liberia, Australia, New Zealand, China, Bangladesh, India, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Italy (Elba Island), Switzerland (St. Gotthard), France (Puis de la Tache, Auvergne. Framont-Grandfontaine, Vosges. Bourg-d'Oisans, Alps).
Etymology and meaning of the name "hematite".
In French it is sometimes called simply bloodstone. In German, hematite is also called bloodstein. English equivalent heliotrope reserved forheliotrope, we find it under the term hematite in English speaking countries.
The lapidaries of the Middle Ages called him "hematite"or sometimes"did you lovehence confusion with amethyst is possible. Later it was called hematite stone.
bath oligarch, usually reserved for hematite in large crystals, was often used in the XNUMXth century to refer to hematite in general. René-Just Gahuy, a famous mineralogist, gave it this name, derived from the Greek oligist, which means " very little ". Is this a hint at the number of facets of the crystal or its iron content? Opinions were divided.
Hematite in history
In prehistory
The first artists are Homo sapiens, and the first paints are ocher. Long before this period, hematite in the form of red ocher was certainly used to decorate the body. The desire to draw on a medium other than oneself or one's relatives arose with the improvement of the technique: crushing stones and dissolving them in water or fat.
The bison and reindeer in the Chauvet Cave (about 30.000 years old) and the Lascaux Cave (about 20.000 years old) are drawn and painted in red ocher. It is harvested or obtained by heating goethite, a much more common yellow ocher. The first hematite mines were exploited later, around 10.000 years ago.
In Persian, Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations
The Persian and Babylonian civilizations used gray hematite and probably attributed magical powers to it. because of this material cylinders-mascots are often made. In particular, small cylinders dating back to 4.000 BC have been found. They are engraved with cuneiform signs, they are pierced along the axis for wearing around the neck.
The Egyptians engraved hematite and considered it a precious stone., the most beautiful crystals are mined on the banks of the Nile and in the mines of Nubia. Wealthy Egyptian women carve mirrors from very shiny hematite and paint their lips with red ocher. Hematite powder also wards off common unwanted effects: diseases, enemies and evil spirits. We spread everywhere, preferably in front of the doors.
Diluted hematite is an excellent eye drop. A painting from a tomb at Deir el-Medina in Thebes shows the construction site of a temple. We see a worker with an eye injury being treated by a doctor with his flasks and instruments. Using a stylus, the scientist places a red hematite eye drop into the patient's eye.
In Greek and Roman antiquity
The Greeks and Romans attribute the same virtues to hematite, as they use it in crushed form "to soothe the twitching of the eyes." This recurring property, attributed to hematite in antiquity, may be traced back to the legend of the fabulous stone called lapis honey (Medes stone). The Medes, an ancient civilization close to the Persians, must have possessed a miraculous green and black hematite capable of restoring sight to the blind and curing gout by soaking it in sheep's milk.
Pulverized hematite also heals burns, liver disease, and appears to be beneficial for the wounded who bleed on the battlefield. It is used internally in the form of vinegar for hemoptysis, spleen diseases, gynecological bleeding, and against poisons and snake bites.
Hematite would also bring other unexpected benefits. It opened the traps of the barbarians in advance, favorably intervened in requests addressed to the princes, and ensured a good outcome in litigation and courts.
Red ocher pigment colors Greek temples and the most noble paintings. The Romans called it a rubric (in central France it was also called a rubric for a very long time). Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, describes hematite" dense and hard consistency, which, judging by the name, consists of petrified blood. ", bye Virgil and Pliny celebrate the beauty and abundance of hematites from Ethiopia and the island of Elba.
In the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, powdered hematite was often used in the composition of a special type of paint - grisaille. Stained glass windows, the masterpieces of our Gothic cathedrals and churches, are made with this paint for glass. Its development is subtle and complex, but, to put it simply, it is a mixture of powdered pigment and fusible glass, also in powder, bound by a liquid (wine, vinegar, or even urine).
Since the XNUMXth century, the workshops have been creating a new glass color, exclusively based on hematite, the sanguine "Jean Cousin", which is used to color the faces of the characters. Later, crayons and pencils were made from it, which were very popular during the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci used them for his preparatory work, and even today red chalk is highly regarded for the beautiful rendering of the reliefs and the warm atmosphere that emanates from them. The hard variety of hematite is used in the polishing of metals, it is called "polishing stone".
Jean de Mandeville, author of the XNUMXth century lapidary workshop, tells us about other virtues of hematite. There is continuity with indications of hematite in Antiquity:
« Sub-red stone of iron color with an admixture of blood streaks. We esmoult les cuteaulx (knife sharpening), we make very good liquor for esclarsir la veüe (sight). The powder of this stone with beüe (blue) water heals those who vomit blood through the mouth. Effective against gout, makes fat women carry their babies to term, cures bleeding emoroids, controls female discharge (hemorrhagic menstruation), is effective against snake bites, and when drunk is effective against bladder stones. »
Nowadays
In the XNUMXth century, the Duke de Chaulnes, a naturalist and chemist, told us that hematite was used in the composition of the "Martian liqueur aperitif". There is also hematite "styptic liquor" (astringent), "magisterium" (mineral potion), hematite oil and pills!
A final tip to reap its benefits is to “ignite lightly, a few bubbles, no more. Then it is washed several times, even if it has not been fired before, because there is a difference in strength and quality between washed and unfired hematite.”
Advantages and properties of hematite in lithotherapy
Hematite, the bloodstone, does not usurp its name. Iron oxide, which is part of it, also circulates in our blood and colors our lives in red. Iron deficiency causes anemia and brings fatigue, pallor, loss of strength. Hematite ignores these shortcomings, it has dynamism, tone and vitality in reserve. It offers an answer to all blood diseases and offers many other useful skills in the context of lithotherapy.
Benefits of Hematite for Physical Ailments
Hematite is used in lithotherapy due to its tonic, tonic and cleansing properties. Recommended in particular for the treatment conditions related to blood, wound healing, cell regeneration and the healing process in general.
- Fights circulatory disorders: varicose veins, hemorrhoids, Raynaud's disease
- Relieves migraines and other headaches
- Regulates blood pressure
- Stimulates iron absorption (anemia)
- cleans the blood
- Detoxifies the liver
- Activates kidney function
- Hemostatic effect (heavy menstruation, bleeding)
- Promotes wound healing and cell regeneration
- resolves hematomas
- Soothes the symptoms of spasmophilia (convulsions, restlessness)
- Soothes eye problems (irritation, conjunctivitis)
The benefits of hematite for the psyche and relationships
Stone of support and harmony, hematite is used in lithotherapy because of its positive effects on the psyche on multiple levels. It should be noted thatPairs very well with Rose Quartz.
- Restores courage, energy and optimism
- Promotes awareness of self and others
- Strengthen the conviction
- Increases self-confidence and willpower
- Reduce female shyness
- Increases concentration and memory
- Facilitates the study of technical subjects and mathematics
- Helps overcome addictions and compulsions (smoking, alcohol, bulimia, etc.)
- Reduces domineering and angry behavior
- Soothes fears and promotes restful sleep
Hematite harmonizes all chakras, it is especially associated with the following chakras: 1st chakra rasina (muladhara chakra), 2nd sacred chakra (svadisthana chakra) and 4th chakra heart (anahata chakra).
Cleansing and recharging
Hematite is purified by immersing it in a glass or earthen vessel filled withdistilled or lightly salted water. He's just reloading the sun or on a cluster of quartz or inside amethyst geode.
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