One of my favorite stones....

Hematite.... I'm not even sure why, but I seem to use a lot of hematite in my jewelry. Maybe it's the steely-grey color I'm so fond of.... maybe it's because it feels cool to the touch, like metal. I love metal.

Whatever the reason, I like this stone and thought I'd share some of the unique characteristics of it with you!

Hematite, an oxide of iron (Fe2O3), is also known as "red iron ore" and in 1967 was designated as the State Mineral of Alabama!

Hematite is a silvery, shiny opaque stone that almost looks like metal. Hematite is heavy and relatively hard oxide mineral, that constitutes the most important iron ore because of its high iron content (70 percent) and its abundance.

As hematite hardness is 5.5 - 6.5 it will scratch glass, but is in turn scratched by quartz.

This crystal is the most recommended stone for grounding and is associated with the Root Chakra, by encouraging ones survival instincts and is centering.

Hematite condenses scattered feelings, turns fuzziness into mental clarity, enhances concentration, memory, practicality, helps those who study, do bookkeeping, detailed work and helps with sound sleep.

Spiritually, it enhances astral projections, promotes balance, focus, convergence and concentration of energy. Helps increase courage and will-power.

Physical Healing.... mineral and crystal healers associate Hematite with blood and use it in their rituals for treating blood-related illnesses such as hemophilia, anemia, heart, kidney and liver diseases, cardio-vascular weakness, menstrual cramps, and nose bleeds. They also recommend it for use in treating the stress of jet lag, birth and surgery, tumors, insomnia, leg cramps, nervous disorders and fevers. Hematite was also a Native American remedy for dental problems, pimples, canker sores and alcohol abuse.