H E M A T I T E

 

Hardness 5,5-6,5

 

Hematite is a metallic grey colour.  The name derives from the Greek name “blood”.  When the stone is cut, the liquid used to cool it down is red, and if you cut it paper thin, it is red and transparent. In ancient times is was believed that the stone would stop bleeding, and was formally used as mourning jewellery. It is not often used in jewellery these days.