The History and Folklore of Hematite

Hematite has long been valued for its anchoring energy and defensive properties; it has a metallic shine and an iron-like look. As one of the most valuable iron ores, hematite has been essential in both practical and spiritual aspects of the lives of ancient people.

Respected as an effective stone for strength, protection, and transformation, hematite's connection with the mind, blood, and earth made it central in many civilisations throughout history.

Hematite was connected to both life and death in Ancient Egypt. Because of its connection to blood, Egyptians thought the stone would purify the body, therefore benefiting the living as well as those who died. Hematite amulets were laid in tombs to guard and guide the departed spirits across the afterlife. Often shaping hematite into protective charms, Egyptians used it in their magical and religious ceremonies. When ground into a powder, hematite is red; this reddish hue symbolised blood, signifying energy, strength, and a relationship to the life force. Hematite was therefore regarded as a strong talisman for health and defence against negative forces.

Hematite, sometimes referred to as a warrior's stone and was often worn by Roman soldiers heading into combat. Roman troops thought hematite gave them mental and physical strength, which would shield them on the battlefield. The iron-like properties of the stone were indicative of resiliency; its metallic sheen was meant to reflect negative energy back onto their opponents. Hematite was frequently incorporated into shields, swords, and amulets used in battle. Its emblem of bravery and endurance was strengthened by its relationship to Mars, the Roman god of war. Hematite was occasionally used as a powder on the body in Roman custom to represent the warrior's readiness for fight and call for Mars' favour.

Hematite was considered in Mesopotamia – especially in legal affairs – as a stone of justice. Hematite amulets were kept close by judges and leaders wore it to assist   them in bringing justice and clarity to their rulings. Hematite's grounding and stabilising qualities were believed to improve logical thinking, therefore guaranteeing that justice and truth dominated court conflicts. Hematite was also included into Mesopotamian medicinal practices. It was thought to be able to help one recover from emotional upheaval by helping to quiet feelings and encourage mental clarity. Its link to the ground makes it a symbol of balance, therefore stabilising the body and the mind.

Hematite was known as the "bloodstone" (not to be confused with heliotrope) in the Middle Ages because, when ground, it left a red streak – a characteristic that was sometimes connected with the stone's link to blood and vitality. Believing hematite would clean and rejuvenate the blood, doctors in medieval Europe treated blood-related diseases and injuries using it. Hematite was supposed to speed up healing and help stop excessive bleeding. In alchemy, the stone represented change and the link between the physical and spiritual worlds. Alchemists thought hematite might reveal latent knowledge and assist in their transformation of base metals into gold. Hematite's anchoring quality was considered to be essential in balancing the earth's energy with the search for greater spiritual enlightenment.

Hematite was regarded in many tribal societies as a sign of power, protection, and stability – a link to the ground. Native American cultures specifically ground their energies and communally connect with the spirit of the earth by using hematite in ceremonies and rites. The reflected nature of the stone was said to protect people from negative forces and strengthen their bond with the natural world. Particularly during wars and hunts, hematite was frequently employed in ceremonial body painting. While its metallic sheen was said to inspire the protection of the ground itself, its likeness to blood symbolised courage and life.