Hematite Beads
Hematite beads are iron oxide, the same mineral that is mined as iron ore, polished to a dark metallic grey with a weight that no other common bead matches. This collection holds hematite in gunmetal, silver, gold, bronze and rose gold in a range of finishes and shapes for bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Appearance
Gunmetal hematite is a dark steel grey with a mirror-bright metallic luster.
A polished finish gives hematite its mirror shine; a faceted finish turns each bead into a cluster of tiny metal mirrors that flash as it moves; a matte finish leaves a soft pewter grey. Hematite is heavy, so a full strand adds noticeable weight to a necklace, and it is most often used as spacers between lighter stones. At 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it resists scratches in normal wear.
Formation and origin
Hematite forms wherever iron and oxygen meet: in banded iron formations laid down on ancient sea floors more than 2 billion years ago, in hydrothermal veins, and as a weathering product that stains sandstone and soil red. The solid mineral is black to steel grey, and its name comes from the Greek for blood because its powder is red. Brazil, China, Australia and Minnesota are major producers.
Pairings
Lapis lazuli beads: deep blue against gunmetal is a classic bracelet combination, and the pyrite flecks in lapis echo the metal.
Onyx beads: matte black onyx beside polished hematite gives two blacks with different surfaces, and both wear well.
Labradorite beads: hematite's grey matches labradorite's base and makes the blue flash read brighter.
Meaning and Metaphysical Beliefs
Hematite has long been linked with blood and with warriors, and ground hematite was one of the first pigments, used in cave paintings tens of thousands of years ago. Ancient Egyptians placed it in tombs, and Roman soldiers are said to have rubbed it on their bodies before battle. In modern crystal traditions it is associated with grounding, strength and the root chakra. These are traditional beliefs, not claims of physical effect.
