You can go to just about any place on Earth and find hematite. This iron oxide is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet. It is an important ore for iron. It has a variety of diverse uses, including the production of pigments, in preparations used for heavy media separation, in radiation shielding, and as ballast, to name a few.

If you’re a student of feng shui, the ancient Chinese art and science of balancing the energies of a space, then you’ve probably heard of hematite. Not only is hematite sought as an aid to bringing peace and balance into your home, it is also associated with the balance of good health and good fortune. If meditation and gemstone energy powers interest you, hematite should be a very popular item on your shopping list.

Why is hematite so special?

Hematite is known as a very strong grounding stone. It is a calming, protective stone that can also have an energizing effect. Because of these properties, as well as its inherent beauty, it is a popular choice for beads used in jewelry. Having hematite figurines in the home or wearing jewelry that includes hematite beads can have a cooling, calming effect. It can help calm your mind to increase concentration and focus. It has traditionally been used in metaphysical rituals and meditation practices because of its soothing effect. Hematite is often cited as helping to clear unnecessary noise and clutter from the mind. 

Does the form of hematite I choose make a difference?

The form of hematite you choose will most likely depend on how you plan to use it. If you want to make certain that you have hematite with you at all times, then you’ll need to decide where you want to carry it. Hematite is an affordable gemstone, so price is generally a negligible concern.

If you want to carry your hematite in a pocket or in your purse, then a couple of tumbled rock hematite stones is probably your best bet. You can keep them on your person, or in your car or office. Keeping it close means you can get that burst of strong, cool, and calming energy when you need it.

If you’re thinking jewelry is more your thing, then you need to be sure to separate magnetic, or man-made, hematite from natural gemstone hematite. Most of the natural gemstone hematite found on the market comes from the U.S.A., Canada, Venezuela, and Brazil. When polished to a bright luster, the hematite beads will be a dark silvery-gray.

Hematite worn for its protective properties or as an energy stone can be found in rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and earrings. You can find focal beads to center a necklace of your own design, or fashion an entire jewelry piece from hematite.

Caring for Your Hematite

Anything that is precious to us is worth taking care of. Hematite jewelry is no exception. It has a few precautions when it comes to caring for it, because it is a rather soft mineral that can have a tendency to be brittle. If you’ve ever had opal or apatite, caring for hematite is similar.

You should avoid exposing your hematite to steam cleaners or any of the currently popular ultrasonic cleaners. Harsh chemicals or cleaning fluids, such as bleach or a cleaning acid, should be avoided.

When your hematite needs cleaning, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to use a soap that is described as “gentle” on hands or clothes. You can wipe the hematite with a soft cloth to remove dirt or dry it off. You’ll want to be sure you rinse it well to remove any soapy residue that could cloud its natural luster.

It is always a good idea to take off any jewelry when you’re engaging in vigorous physical activity. Hematite is no different. If you’re hitting the gym, playing sports, or just engaging in household chores, you really should remove your hematite jewelry to prevent it being damaged.

When you’re ready to store your hematite jewelry, it is a good idea to store it in a separate place from other jewelry and gemstones. If you can, wrap it in a soft cloth or place it in a small jewelry pouch. If you store it without a wrap, place it in a jewelry box that’s lined with a soft fabric.

Meditate on it.

If you’re just beginning to explore the benefits of meditation, hematite is a great stone to use as a focal and grounding stone. Beginners can become overwhelmed when they first start to meditate, and having hematite on hand can help you stay grounded while you learn to sharpen your focus.

Hematite beads are also a great selection for a beautiful rosary.
December 05, 2016 — Arun Yadav