Astrologers Notes

Day: Tuesday

Planet: Mars

Keywords: Will, Focus, Drive, Dynamism, Energy, Desire

A stone of linked with energy and will, hematite is associated with the qualities of the planet Mars. It stimulates dynamism and self-assertion.

Hematite helps to increase stamina, and the will to survive. Its mineral content works to improve vitality and dynamism so that unfulfilled desires can first be acknowledged and then expressed.

Spiritually, Hematite works to transform anger, so that this emotion can be transformed in constructive ways.

With it high iron content, Hematite may help the absorption of iron within the body, which in turn improves oxygen supply and stabilizes health.

Its metallic lustre and and gunmetal colour is highly characteristic. Hematite will leave a red streak if drawn across a piece of unglazed porcelain, and has also been called by the name bloodstone.

Myth and Legend:

Since ancient times, hematite has been associated with the blood. Its name in fact comes from the Greek word aima for blood. In Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was sued to staunch blood-flow, and in the Middle Ages, was called ‘bloodstone’. This in part is due to its red colour which is produced when the stone is cut or ground, and can perhaps also be attributed to its high iron content.

In ancient Egypt, hematite was placed in tombs, whereas in Roman times, through its association with Mars the God of War, warriors would wear it for protection into battle. Hematite was also widely used by native America Indians for dental problems, pimples and cankers.

Interestingly, astronomers have recently discovered hematite on Mars, further linking its properties to the influence of this planet. The high iron content in both the stone and the surface of the red planet is a clear indication of the “Law of Correspondence” in action.

Gemologer’s Notes

The name hematite is derived from the fact that when cut, the saw coolant becomes coloured red. Hematite is formed from a variety of processes, which can affect how it appears. The most common variety appears in kidney shaped ore deposits. When cut thin it is red and transparent, when polished it is metallic and shiny.

Care should be taken to avoid a synthetic substitute known as hematine, which is pressed iron oxide originating in the USA. Hematine can be recognized as it is slightly magnetic.

Composition:

• Crystal System: Trigonal
• Manner of Formation: Tertiary
• Mineral Class: Oxide
• Colour: Grey metallic, powder: red
• Opaque
• RI: 2.94-3.22
• Fe2O3+Mg
• SG: 5.12-5.28
• Moh’s Hardness: 5.5-6.5

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