SUMMARY
- Meaning: Hematite, often used for grounding and balancing, is believed to transform negative energies into a more positive vibration, aiding in mental clarity and emotional well-being.
- Healing Properties: The stone is said to have numerous health benefits, including enhancing circulation, helping with blood disorders, and supporting the kidneys, all while generally bolstering physical strength and endurance.
- Protection: Hematite is revered as a protective stone, traditionally used to safeguard against negative energies and to create a protective shield around the body, especially during astral travel.
- Usage: People utilize hematite in various forms, such as jewelry or simply carrying the stone, to harness its grounding and balancing energies, and it is also used in meditation to connect with its stabilizing properties.
- Care: To care for hematite, it is recommended to cleanse it regularly by placing it amongst tumbled rock crystals, and it should be kept away from water to prevent rusting, ensuring its energetic and physical properties are maintained.
What is Hematite?
Hematite is an iron oxide crystal and an important ore of iron. It is part of the trigonal crystal system and is often found in rocks and soil. Hematite has a metallic like luster and colors that range from black to grey and silver, along with more reddish-brown varieties. The meaning of Hematite is grounding and protection.
Take a look at our essential guide to healing gemstones and find a crystal that captures you.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The History of Hematite
- Takes its name from the Greek word for blood
- Used as a mirror, pigment, war paint, and to adorn tombs
- Associated with magic, blood and protection
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.
If Hematite doesn’t hold you, then take a look at our essential crystal guide here and find a gemstone that brings you deep healing joy.
Hematite Healing Properties
Hematite is brimming with healing properties. It’s like throwing a protective cloak over your shoulder, grabbing your shield and sword, and stepping out the door. This stone brings a deep heartfelt confidence thanks to its ability to stop toxic emotions in their tracks. It’s connected to the root chakra, which is the foundation of our stability in this world, and it keeps us clear-minded and sassy with self-care every single day.
Physical Healing Properties
- Good for circulation
- Helps with blood pressure and heavy periods
With a rich past and a high iron content that has long kept Hematite connected to the blood, it comes as no surprise that Hematite is considered to be one of the best stones for amping up healthy circulation in the body. If you have high blood pressure, clots, heavy periods, or any kind of health issue connected with blood flow, this is a stone you need in your life. Hematite keeps your tissue in tip-top shape, it makes sure you can properly absorb all your nutrients, and it detoxifies the body (along with the mind and soul).
Mental & Emotional Healing Properties
- Brings strength
- Protects from negative energy
Hematite is a strength bringer - it’s a Stone for the Mind. If you often find yourself at the mercy of other peoples bad moods and vibes, then Hematite is ever ready to step in and make sure that you don’t become a sponge for negative energy. For those who are high empaths, Hematite is an incredible investment. It somehow manages to kickstart our survival instinct and is all about infusing us with courage, willpower, and confidence enhancing abilities.
For those who sometimes feel like they live life a little on the timid side, Hematite is here to give your self-esteem a hearty boost. This new strength of character can help you to overcome all kinds of things. Addictive behaviors, poor patterns, and being a people pleaser – all these traits can be thrown out the window when Hematite comes in.
Metaphysical Properties
- Connected to the root chakra
- Balances yin and yang energy
A strong rooting stone, Hematite is connected to the Root Chakra and the Solar Plexus Chakra. Our base chakras are where our confidence, belief in self, and feelings of security sit. When these are activated we feel unshakable which helps us to make decisions that are in complete alignment with our own souls. Hematite is also celebrated for its yin-yang balancing out. The stone is able to both the spiritual and the physical nervous system and merge them into beautiful balanced alignment.
Zodiac Birthstone
- The birthstone of Aquarius
- Good for Aries
Hematite is an amazing birthstone for those born under the banner of Aquarius. Aquarians are original thinkers, they are independent and easy-going, and they also live largely within their own heads. This floating head kind of existence can sometimes leave them wide open to overthinking and taking in other people’s bad vibes as their own. Being sometimes out of whack in the physical nervous system, having a stone like Hematite will provide that much-needed protection to keep the spirit strong and the body and mind firmly in the chill zone.
Aries too, can benefit greatly from Hematite. The earth and fire stone with its reddish brown and silver hues is a good match for their fire spirit, and while they don’t need any help on the courage front, they can benefit from a good old dose of yin energy to bring them out of the pushy yang flow and into better-balanced harmony.
How to Use Hematite Crystals
Check out our healing Hematite Bracelet!
- Wear for protection and grounding
- Place in the home to keep bad vibes at bay
Invite Hematite into your life and say yes to beautiful crystal jewelry so you can get that potent direct contact with the skin. Pressing Hematite close to the skin means that your body can easily soak up the protective energy and healing vibes without any distraction. Another way of bringing Hematite into your daily life is through worry stones, protective amulets, and even tumbled pieces to place in a Feng Shui altar. Take a look at these suggestions on how to use Hematite to create your own haven.
Home & Office
Hematite in the home and office keeps your space protected too. Its super strong grounding energy and its ability to get the mind to fine-tune focus means that you can be sure of getting your stuff done when Hematite is in your eye line. Hematite is a great Feng Shui stone for work and creative play. Place it in your office to encourage higher concentration or if you are an artist, you may also find it helpful to have it in any studio space. Another place you can put Hematite is by your front door to keep the whole space protected from any bad vibes entering.
Jewelry
Choose Hematite jewelry to truly make the most of this magic master of all the grounding stones. As mentioned, having Hematite against the skin allows you to soak up even more of its power. A Hematite Bracelet can keep you standing strong, fully grounded, and completely unshakeable no matter how much chaos the world is in around you.
If you are looking for other healing stones that complement the magic of magnetic Hematite then you can start with Bloodstone known for its ability to balance the chakras and cleanse anxiety. Amethyst can also be a good companion, especially when it comes to leaning a little more on that spiritual flowing energy. Obsidian, Lapis Lazuli, Magnetite, Labradorite, Carnelian, Malachite, Aventurine, Opal, Rose Quartz, and Agate all come with some beautifully complementary properties that balance Hematite too.
How to Cleanse Your Hematite Stone
- Cleanse with a shake or smudge (avoid water)
- Charge with other crystals
Keeping your Hematite cleansed, charged and in the clear is vital if you want your stone to sit in the finest power and health. Healing crystals can work on vibrations and sometimes they can get overstuffed or blocked and need a good clear out.
Cleansing your Hematite Stone isn’t hard but it’s not a stone that likes water. Water can cause your Hematite to rust thanks to the iron oxide content. Instead of using water on your stone you can simply use a soft bristle brush (like a toothbrush) and give it a rub every now and then to shake it free of trapped energy. If you want to charge up your Hematite then place it on top of your other rock crystals to infuse it with some much-needed energy.
Geological Properties
Chemical Classification | Oxide mineral |
Chemical Formula | Fe2O3 |
Crystal system | Trigonal |
Color | Black, grey, silver-grey, red-brown |
Streak | Blood red to brownish red |
Luster | Metallic to splendent |
Transparency | Opaque |
Occurrence | Sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic rocks |
Formation | Hydrothermal, magmatic, sedimentary |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Cleavage | None |
Mohs Hardness | 5.5 - 6.5 |
Specific Gravity | 4.9 - 5.3 |
Diagnostic Properties | Red to brownish red streak; metallic luster; strongly magnetic |
Chemical Composition | Iron oxide (Fe2O3) |
Crystal System | Trigonal |
Optical Properties | Uniaxial (-) |
Refractive Index | nω = 3.150 - 3.220, nε = 2.870 - 2.940 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.280 - 0.310 |
2V angle | Measured: 12° to 88°; calculated: 28° to 70° |
Dispersion | None |
Other characteristics | Magnetic, conchoidal fracture, red to brownish-red streak |
Final Thoughts on Hematite
Hematite is an amazing stone for those who just want a good heady dose of grounding. The world can be a tough place and its often all too easy to feel like you are being blown along without an anchor to keep you strong. Fortunately, Hematite can be that anchor. For those who want to feel stable, protected, and to keep themselves free from the burden of other people’s all-consuming energy, this is a stone that helps you to keep your footing when it comes to potent crystal healing. Hematite is heaven-sent, its clarity and focus, its yin-yang balancing act, and its trustworthy nature make sure that you stay solid as a rock.
What are your thoughts on the healing powers of Hematite? Are you drawn to its magnetic magic? Share in the comments.
Hematite FAQs
Is Hematite magnetic?
Sometimes natural Hematite can be weakly magnetic but it’s not strong enough to attract metals. There is a man made magnetic material called ‘magnetic Hematite’ but this is not the same as the mineral Hematite.
What is Hematite?
Hematite is a hard and heavy iron oxide crystal. It is also an ore of iron and is usually found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in lavas and thick sedimentary beds. It has a metallic luster and usually is dark in color - ranging from silvery black to gray. Hematite is a crystal that is often used for protection and grounding.
What does Hematite do?
Hematite is a protective and grounding stone. It is known for being connected to the root chakra and for helping to provide a feeling of safety and stability in this world. Hematite can help to keep negative energy at bay and is also known as a stone of the mind as it can boost your self-esteem and bring your nervous system into alignment. Hematite is also good for keeping EMF’s at bay.
What is a Hematite ring?
A Hematite ring is a ring made solely from the stone of Hematite. They are usually worn for protection, strength, endurance, and bringing harmony to your energy. Hematite can work best when pressed directly against the skin so wearing the ring helps you to stay connected and can help direct your energy better. It also helps improve circulation.
What is Hematite used for?
Hematite is primarily a stone of power and protection. It’s a great crystal for those who feel like they need to strengthen their root chakra and raise their confidence levels. It can also be beneficial for those who are sensitive to the energy of others and the side effects from EMFs. As Hematite provides a protective shield, it can stop anything draining from penetrating, leaving you soaked in your own energy. It can be worn as jewelry, placed near electronic goods, and can also be used in chakra and reiki healing too.
Do Hematite rings break?
Hematite rings can break for several reasons. It may be that your Hematite ring is brittle or fragile and has been weakened due to oxidation. It could also be that your Hematite ring breaks because it has absorbed a lot of negative energy or because you yourself have had an energetic breakthrough. Hematite rings can be quite fragile so it's worth treating them with care.
How to cleanse Hematite?
It’s important to keep your Hematite stone cleansed as it is a collector of negative energy. Cleansing your Hematite on a regular basis will ensure that the stone stays strong and has plenty of space and drive for mopping up toxic vobs. Hematite is a stone that doesn’t like water due to its high iron count so the best way to cleanse it is to use a soft bristled brush or use other non-invasive techniques like smudging and sound baths.
What is a Hematite ring used for?
A Hematite ring is usually chosen to provide the wearer with protection, courage, balance, and grounding. Hematite is an amazing stone to have on your side as it strengthens the root chakra and helps you feel stable in this world. It’s also great for raising self-confidence, healing the mind, and encouraging healthy circulation in the body.
Can Hematite get wet?
No, Hematite is a crystal with a high iron count which means that it can oxidize and rust. You should keep your Hematite away from water if possible. If you need to clean your Hematite you can use energetic methods for cleansing it such as smudging or leaving it in the presence of other cleansing crystals like selenite and clear quartz.
What is Hematite good for?
Hematite is good for clearing blockages in the root chakra, providing protection against negative energy and the side effects of EMFs, and for helping the body, mind, and soul stay grounded and in balance. Known as the stone of the mind, Hematite is a healer and is here to give your esteem a boost.
Where to buy Hematite ring?
You should be able to buy a Hematite ring from any reputable jeweler or someone who deals in gemstone jewelry. Hematite jewelry is popular as more and more people are attracted to its powerful healing properties and its ability to provide protection and grounding. A Hematite ring worn close to the skin can infuse you with confidence. Make sure the Hematite you are purchasing is from a reputable gem seller so you can be sure you are wearing the ‘real deal’.
How to cleanse Hematite ring?
As your Hematite ring will be busy soaking up all the toxic energy flying about and making sure you stay safe, it will benefit from a clean every now and then. Hematite rings can be fragile and don’t work well with water so the best way to cleanse them is energetically using smudging techniques or by placing the ring in the presence of naturally cleansing gemstones like clear quartz and selenite.
What do Hematite rings do?
Hematite rings are awesome for those who want to surround themselves with protective energy. Hematite is known for being a crystal of big grounding power and for helping to balance the nervous system and keep your mind focused and clear. For those who want to bring more harmony into their life, wearing a Hematite ring will help you to stabilize, strengthen, and steer clear of any bad energy flying about.
Do Hematite rings work?
Yes, Hematite is a hugely healing crystal and rings and other jewelry made from Hematite can have incredible protective and grounding powers. Crystals work best when they are pressed against the skin and when they have direct contact with your own unique vibrations. Wearing Hematite is the best way of making the most of its energy.
What color is Hematite?
Hematite is a dark and dreamy stone. It tends to be black or dark gray in color. It can sometimes appear to have reddish hues or silver hues too. Like all black gemstones, Hematite is known to be a stone of protection.
What does it mean when a Hematite ring breaks?
When a Hematite ring breaks it could mean that the ring has reached the pinnacle of its spiritual work with you. Maybe you have had a big energetic breakthrough or maybe it has peaked on its ability to absorb negative energy and you need a new healing or protective stone. Other times, your Hematite ring may break due to brittleness or because the ring has oxidized too much and become weak from exposure.
How to charge Hematite?
Hematite benefits from being charged up every now and then as soaking up negative energy can be draining. If you want to naturally charge your Hematite you can do this by leaving it in the presence of gemstones known for sharing their energy such as Selenite or Clear Quartz. Not only will these stones charge your Hematite but they can also cleanse it at the same time - making it feel shiny and new again.
Is Hematite a mineral?
Hematite is a natural mineral. It is a form of iron oxide and comes from other iron rich minerals that have been weathered by time in soil and ore deposits. Because of this, Hematite is high in iron and has a dark gray or even black hue. It’s part of the trigonal crystal system and scores a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Where is Hematite found?
Hematite is found across the world. You can find Hematite in South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Switzerland among other places. However the world's largest production site can be found in Lake Superior in the USA.
How to tell if Hematite is real?
You can tell if your Hematite is real by checking to see if the stone leaves a red streak when scraped gently across a surface, this is because iron ore always leaves a red streak. You can also check by seeing if the Hematite is magnetic. True Hematite isn’t magnetic or is weakly magnetic so any stone eliciting a strong magnetism is probably not the real deal.
Is Hematite a silicate?
No, Hematite is not a silicate mineral. It is a form of iron oxide and isn’t part of the silicate group. Common crystals that are part of the silicate group include varieties of quartz, feldspar, mica, and olivine.
What chakra is Hematite?
Hematite is connected to the root chakra. The root chakra is how we feel safe, stable, and secure in this world - it is the very foundation for which we hold ourselves. When our root chakra is blocked we may feel anxious or afraid all the time. When cleared, we can move through the world with a sense of confidence, knowing that no matter what, we have the ability to keep ourselves safe emotionally and spiritually.
Does Hematite rust?
Yes, Hematite can rust. This is because the stone has a high iron count and iron is known to easily oxidize when introduced to oxygen and water. You can prevent your Hematite from rusting by keeping it away from water as much as possible.
Is Hematite metallic or nonmetallic?
Hematite often has a metallic luster although it can also have a non metallic luster. It’s color range is equally variable, ranging from black to brown and red to silvery gray.
What does Hematite mean?
Hematite is a gemstone that means protection, grounding, power and strength. As a mineral rich in iron ore it is great for helping you root down to the earth, stabilize, and feel safe. Hematite takes its name from the meaning of ‘blood stone’. This is because of those iron rich properties. It can also help the body with circulation and is known for being a strength-bringer when it comes to the physical, emotional, and spiritual.
What is Hematite stone?
The Hematite stone is a crystal created from iron oxide. Normally dark colored and gray or black with a silvery or reddish hue, Hematite has a metallic look to it and a certain shine. It is a stone that is often used by those who want grounding and protection. Hematite has big root chakra energy and is known for helping to protect against EMFs and keep the body healthy as it encourages circulation and healing.
What type of rock is Hematite?
Hematite is an iron ore which usually comes from sedimentary rock. Yet, it can also be found in metamorphic rocks and in igneous rocks as an accessory mineral. Hematite is found across the world and is considered to be one of the most abundant minerals on earth.
How is Hematite formed?
Hematite is found across the spectrum in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rock. It crystallizes when hydrothermal fluids move through rock or it can also form when magma reacts with rock. One of the best places for Hematite to form is in sedimentary rock that are rich in iron and other minerals too.
How to clean Hematite ring?
Hematite rings can be delicate so the best way to cleanse them is in a gentle and non-invasive way using energetic methods. You can cleanse your Hematite ring through smudging and sound baths. You can also cleanse it by leaving it in the presence of stones like selenite and clear quartz as they have great charging and naturally cleansing properties. Make sure not to clean your Hematite ring with water as this can cause your ring to rust.
Is Hematite man made?
No, Hematite is not man made. It is a natural mineral that occurs in the earth's crust. There is a version of Hematite that is man made, although it is made out of the naturally occurring iron oxide in many cases but tends to be more magnetic. You may see this labeled as Hemalike or Hematine or Magnetic Hematite.
What is the meaning of Hematite stone?
Hematite means ‘blood stone’ and this mineral is known for its association with iron, blood, and magic. It was beloved by the Ancient Greeks, the Native Americans, and other civilizations that used the stone both on the battlefield and the birthing bed. Hematite is associated with physical healing and the strength of the body and the mind. Hematite is often used for grounding and protection.
Does Hematite block emf?
Yes, Hematite is a protective stone and is often used for blocking EMFs. Hematite is a great crystal to place in your work space or anywhere with an abundance of technology. It is also a good stone to wear if you are sensitive to the effects of EMFs. Hematite can protect against negative energy and thanks to its high iron content it can block anything harmful from entering your space.
How much is Hematite?
Thanks to its abundance, Hematite is a highly affordable stone although the cost will vary depending on quality, cut, and whether the stone has been tumbled or set into jewelry or shaped in another way. You can expect to pay between $8-$30 for carvings and larger pieces of Hematite.
How to use Hematite stone for healing?
As a protective talisman, one of the best ways to use Hematite for healing is to wear it on the body. When Hematite has physical contact with the skin, it is able to better provide protection and send healing vibrations through the body. You can also place Hematite on the root chakra if you feel unbalanced in the world or as though your root chakra is blocked.
Is Rainbow Hematite magnetic?
Rainbow Hematite is not considered to be magnetic although some pieces of Rainbow Hematite may have higher magnetism than others due to their composition. Rainbow Hematite comes from when Goethite mixes with Hematite -giving it an iridescent sheen and multicolored appearance.
Where to buy Hematite stone?
You can buy Hematite from many reputable gemstone or crystal sellers. Hematite isn't considered to be a super rare stone so you shouldn’t have too many issues getting hold of it. Always make sure that the seller you buy from is reputable as you want to ensure your Hematite is true to its name and sourced as ethically as possible.
Does Hematite help arthritis?
Hematite delivers plenty of benefits when it comes to physical healing and can help with circulation, strengthening tissue, and pain management. Magnetic bracelets are believed to help with arthritis but Hematite is actually weakly magnetic. But Hematite can help in other ways - such as helping to detox the body, encouraging the absorption of nutrients, and making sure you have healthy circulation and strong blood.
Is Hematite iron?
Hematite is an ore of iron and is also a pigment mineral. It is one of the most abundant minerals on earth and often found in the shallow crust. Because of its connection to iron and the earth, Hematite has huge grounding properties and can be an amazing stone to help you emotionally stabilize.
Is Rainbow Hematite real?
Rainbow Hematite is formed when Hematite and Goethite mix together. It gets its gorgeous multicolored shades and its iridescence from aluminum phosphate particles. You may also see Hematite being sold as Rainbow Hematite when a man made thin coating has been applied to the stone to give it a rainbow sheen.
What is gold Hematite?
Gold plated Hematite is a gorgeous gemstone filled with earth energy and a hint of fire. It has the same healing properties of Hematite such as being a stone of protection, strength, and grounding but also brings the benefits of gold. Gold is known for helping to stabilize the emotional center.
How to clean Hematite stone?
The best way to clean your Hematite stone is using non-invasive methods. You can use a range of energetic cleansing methods such as smudging or sound baths. You can also use visualization and meditation techniques to intentionally cleanse your stone. You can leave it in the presence of other cleansing and charging stones like clear quartz and selenite. You can also use a soft bristled brush. You shouldn’t use water to cleanse your Hematite stone.