Hematite
Hematite is a shiny, metallic gray form of iron oxide. In fact, most of the world's iron ore is hematite, though not of gem quality. If you scrape a piece of hematite on a hard, rough surface it will leave a red-brown streak of rust; that is why hematite's name is derived from the Greek word for "blood." Since ancient times, hematite has been associated with blood, wounds, battle, and warriors.
Ancient Egyptians used hematite to stop the bleeding of wounds and promote formation of red blood cells. In the Middle Ages, hematite was called the "blood stone" because the water used to wash and polish it would turn blood-red. Native Americans made war paint from hematite to give themselves invincibility in battle. Because of its black-grey color, hematite was worn during periods of mourning during the Victorian era.
So-called "magnetic" hematite is actually not hematite at all, but an imitation made from stainless steel, chromium, and various sulfides of nickel. The mineral hematite is non-magnetic. Another common deception is the marketing of faceted hematite as marcasite, a totally different mineral. Natural marcasite erodes and disintegrates when exposed to air for long periods of time.
Hematite metaphysical properties include its strong grounding power. Some people's spirits tend to slip out of their bodies, and hematite can help them stay anchored to this physical plane. Hematite also grounds the mind, enabling orderly and logical thinking. Hematite is an excellent stone for mathematicians, philosophers, scientists, and others who deal in logic or rational thinking.
Hematite healing properties include alleviation of blood disorders, enrichment of red blood cells, improvement of iron absorption by the small intestine, and stabilization of all the body's circulatory systems.
Hematite can cause inflammation when worn in direct contact with sensitive skin, so it should be tried carefully. One should never wear hematite on or near any existing inflammation, or it may worsen the condition.
Hematite is a stone of dark Saturn. It is associated with the astrological Zodiac Signs of Aries (the warrior) and Aquarius (the water-bearer, symbolic of the circulatory systems ruled by hematite). But hematite is especially protective of those born under the Water Sign of Scorpio; it is said to warn Scorpios of danger by changing its temperature.
Hematite's dark color vibrates at the lowest frequencies, and resonates with the 1st or root chakra. It also vibrates to the even lower Earth Star chakra, which resides beneath one's feet.