By Chisom Ibemere
Hematite or Haematite, is a common iron oxide gemstone which widely occurs in rocks and soils and belong to the rhombohedral lattice system. It has the same crystal structure as corundum and ilmenite.
Hematite is a mineral that has been used for ages both in making jewelry and decorative objects. It is known to have been in existent for centuries and utilized for medicinal purposes and cave paintings by early human civilizations. It has a rich history and is found in many ancient burial sites.
Hematite is widespread across the globe but the majority of its deposits are found in Brazil, Australia, Canada, China, and the United States. It is commonly found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock formations.
Hematite has a metallic luster and ability to be polished to a high shine and had been used predominantly for decorative purposes such as in home decor and in various objects such as bookends and paperweights. It is also used as a pigment for paints, and in the manufacture of iron, steel, and other alloys. It has a wide range of applications.
Hematite has a metallic luster with black, silver, or gray colors. It has a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale and is relatively heavy and brittle. It is an iron oxide and is not magnetic unless it contains significant amounts of magnetite.
The value of hematite depends mainly on its quality, size, and color. High-quality hematite gemstone can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per carat. Large, high-quality specimens can be valued at thousands of dollars. Hematite is also valued for its spiritual properties and is believed to promote focus, stability, and grounding.