Hematite
Hematite, an iron ore, occurs in opaque red, red-brown, gray or black. It often has a silvery almost metal look to it. Hematite has a high iron content; 70 percent. With the high iron it is subject to rusting although the iron does not make it magnetic. Hematite can be found in Brazil, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Scandinavia, Spain, Sweden, and US, Venezuela. The worlds largest deposits of hematite are found in the Lake Superior region. In 2000 crystalline gray hematite was discovered near the Martian equator.
Its name is something of a mystery. To ancients, hematite was what we now know as bloodstone, so virtually all magical information relating to "hematite" in old books refers to bloodstone. It is interesting to note, however, that hematite, when worked on a lapidary wheel, "bleeds" and produces stains that look much like blood. Powdered Hematite has been mixed with water and used as a blood substitute in some religious rituals.
Hematite is said to be powerful in drawing illness from and strengthening the body. It is said to help bring a positive influence to those giving birth, undergoing surgeries,or fighting tumors, nervous disorders and alcohol abuse. Because of it's high iron it is said to help with blood and blood-related illnesses like hemophilia, anemia, heart, kidney, liver disease, cardiovascular disease as well as circulation problems (muscle cramps). It heals and cleanses the blood and improves memory. As with all stones, it is held in the hands while visualizing, then placed on the skin directly over the afflicted area. A necklace of small stones can also be worn for healing.
Hematite also possesses the curious property of "healing" itself. Make a small scratch on the surface of the stone, then rub your finger over it. The scratch may disappear.
Hematite's energy is grounding - a protective stone that helps to bolster low self-esteem. During the middle ages, pieces of Hematite where given to warriors before they went into battle for strength and protection. It offers the wearer courage and the strength to face changes. It is also used as an aid in astral projection and meditation to help connect you to your true spirit self, as well as for scrying. Hematite was traditionally used as a magic mirror that had the power to reflect back negative energy. Hematite forms a reflective shield around the wearer, letting negativity bounce off and return to the sender. ***The bearer should remember however, that their own negativity will be reflected to them if they are its source. It is therefore a "lesson stone" teaching us to be aware and to release and ground our negativity. Hematite is said to have a beneficial effect on legal situations, to protect warriors, to win petitions before those in authority, enhance focus, concentration, bring balance, increase psychic abilities and help in grounding. It brings stability, courage, confidence, optimism and trust. Hematite is also used in magical amulets.
In Ancient Egypt it was used for protection amulets in ceremonial pillows to magically uplift the head of the deceased. It was also used in the creation of their magic heart amulets and head rest amulets, which were used as treatments for madness and inflammation. In ancient Rome, soldiers used to rub the red powder that came from the stone on themselves and their weapons to protect them during battle and make them invulnerable. It is also worn or carried as a protective stone.
In modern times it is used to help with jet lag.
If you are looking for a bit of willpower to get you though the days, this may be the perfect stone to travel with you in your journeys.
Information, in part, obtained at:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic
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