|
Hematite Earrings
The color of hematite ranges from almost black to silvery gray to blood red. It forms in series of crystalline
plates which build on each other, and often leaves a red streak if it is drawn across a surface. One of the most famous forms
of hematite is
the lustrous silvery gray form, which is frequently used for ornamental purposes. The name “hematite”
comes from the reddish color which emerges when hematite is powdered, and the reddish tint which many forms of hematite have.
The color reminded some observers of blood, and the Greek root hema, for blood, was used to
describe the stone. In addition to being used as a source of pigments and pure iron, hematite is also used in jewelry. The silvery
gray form of hematite is most popular for this purpose, as it can be polished to a pure sheen. Pure hematite is
often used to make simple rings and bracelets, and the stone is also turned into beads or set into other pieces of jewelry.
Some stone carvers also work with hematite to produce ornamental carved pieces.
|
|
|
| Click on photo to enlarge in new window. |
|
Petite 6mm hematite hearts dangling from sterling silver posts.
|
|
|
