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Hematite

· 1 min read · Materials

Hematite is a dark metallic gray iron mineral (5.5-6.5 on Mohs) cut into beads and cabochons; heavy, brittle and looking like polished steel.

Illustration: Hematite

Hematite is an iron oxide of dark silvery gray color with a metallic sheen when polished. It is cut into beads, cabochons and cameos. It is very heavy for its size.

Properties #

  • Composition: iron oxide.
  • Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: dark metallic gray; the powder is red.
  • Origins: Brazil, England, Italy and the USA.
  • Treatments: sold as synthetic “hematine”, sometimes magnetic.

Uses in jewelry #

  • Beads and bracelets.
  • Rings and pendants with an industrial look.
  • Cameos and carvings.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

  • Dark, elegant look.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Polishes very well.

Limitations #

  • Brittle and breaks with knocks.
  • Heavy.
  • Scratches easily.

Care and cleaning #

  • Clean with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid prolonged water and knocks.
  • Store alone in a pouch.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.