Fe₂O₃
Hematite
The streak on unglazed porcelain is cherry red, whatever the metallic face suggests.
- Formula
- Fe₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6.5
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Colour
- black, red
- Element
- earth
- Chakra (tradition)
- root
- Zodiac
- Aries, Aquarius
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- England, Brazil, Italy
What it actually is
Hematite is Fe₂O₃ before it is a story. The lattice is trigonal, Mohs 5–6.5, and the eye meets black, red.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in England, Brazil, Italy. The streak on unglazed porcelain is cherry red, whatever the metallic face suggests.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Hematite to earth and to the root centre. The old site stood it near: Aries, Aquarius.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.