What is Hematite?

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Hematite is a type of iron ore with dark gray shiny look. It is found very easily and is used to prepare jewelry elements such as cabochons, and beads. Even though, Hematite in itself is pretty easy on cost, you can still find its synthetic versions like hemalike or hemalyke in the market. It is mostly found in Brazil, United States, Venezuela, and Canada and is mined specially in England close to Lake Superior. Its name has been derived from the Greek term ‘ema’ which means blood.

Hematite is a type of iron ore with dark gray shiny look. It is found very easily and is used to prepare jewelry elements such as cabochons, and beads. Even though, Hematite in itself is pretty easy on cost, you can still find its synthetic versions like hemalike or hemalyke in the market. It is mostly found in Brazil, United States, Venezuela, and Canada and is mined specially in England close to Lake Superior. Its name has been derived from the Greek term ‘ema’ which means blood. The meaning perfectly matches the hematite because in cross section, this stone displays core dark red color. Greeks associated this stone with their God of Wars, Ares and the Romans later on termed it God Mars. It was a custom in Rome in ancient period to adorn hematite and use its crushed red powder for painting faces. They believed that this made them unconquerable.

What are the characteristics of Hematite?

The physical and chemical characteristics of Hematite are:

• Formula: Fe2O3
• System: Trigonal
• Colour: Steel-grey to black  
• Luster: Metallic, Sub-Metallic, Dull,
• Earthy Hardness: 5 - 6

• Member of: Hematite Group

Hematite Group resembles the iron characteristics found in Corundum, Eskolaite, and Karelianite and can be found in various colors such as reddish brown, dark silvery grey with scales, silver grey crystals, ocherous masses, and dark grey masses. But all of them have the rust red colored streak as a common property. It has a structure close to Limonite and Corundum. Hermatite is also known as ferris or iron oxide and man has known about its existence since always. It is the basic iron ore mineral and is very hard but brittle. It is also termed as black diamond.

Where is hematite formed?

Hematite is mostly found where there is abundant water storage such as hot springs, water bodies and volcanoes. This mineral is generally traced in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, but more in limestone and granite. It is extracted by using underground mining techniques.

What are the uses of hematitie?

Hematite is the common mineral that plays a major role in the production of iron. Since it comes in different colors of black, silver, gray, brown, reddish brown, brown and red, it is popularly used for making decorative jewelry. It is also used to paint faces and many other versions of paint use this mineral as their major component for preparing red color. It is also used with fabrics and is an important part of Native American art form. Red Okra derived from Hematite is used for making war paints.

What are the side effects of hematite?

Generally no side effects are associated with hematite. Direct exposure of eyes to hematite can lead to mechanical irritation. It can also create renal health problems due to inhalation. Skin can show minor irritation due to over exposure to hematite dust. Ingestion of hematite can lead to vomiting.

What are the first aid measures for treating hematite side effects?

If inhalation of hematite is causing breathlessness, take the person immediately into fresh air. If possible try to give artificial respiration till the medical help arrives. If hematite has reacted with skin, wash the area with water and soap. Similarly, if eyes become red due to exposure to hematite flush them with cool, clean tap water continuously for 15 minutes. If the irritation still lingers, get medical help instantly. In case of hematite ingestion, drink large amount of water to flush out the substance and seek for medical assistance if you are suffering from vomiting. 

  

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