About Hematite

Hematite is a widely occurring iron oxide mineral (Fe₂O₃) and one of the world’s most important iron ores. Found in soils, sedimentary rocks, and hydrothermal veins, hematite occurs in forms ranging from earthy red crusts to smooth, black, metallic botryoidal nodules.

More Than Just a Rock

The name hematite comes from the Greek word haimatitis, meaning “blood-red.” While it may appear silver-black or steel gray in its polished form, crushed hematite produces a deep red powder—a trait that ancient humans noticed early on.

This red pigment made hematite one of the earliest natural paints and cosmetics. In fact, some of the world’s oldest known cave art—dating back over 40,000 years—was created using powdered hematite. It’s also been used in burial rites, rituals, and body decoration by cultures across the globe.

Visual Varieties of Hematite:

• Earthy Red Hematite – Often soft, powdery, or crusty in form

• Specular Hematite – Shiny, glittery plates that reflect light like mica

• Botryoidal Hematite – Smooth, bubble-like surface resembling a cluster of grapes

• Polished Hematite – Metallic, heavy, and mirror-bright—often mistaken for magnetite, but non-magnetic

Because of its density and metallic luster, polished hematite is a favorite for jewelry, carvings, and worry stones.

🪨 Shop all our Hematite and connect with a mineral as ancient as human creativity.