Hematite, button strand 8 mm faceted

Length 40 cm.
Diameter: 8mm

Mineralogy: Iron ore

Color: iron gray, anthracite gray

The common name "bloodstone" derives from the red grinding dust from hematite, which stains the cooling water blood-red during grinding. Crystalline hematite is also known as iron luster, red iron ore, or glass head.
Hematite deposits can be found in England, Brazil, China, Bangladesh and the Czech Republic, among others.
Hematite was once used to make traditional mourning jewelry. More recent bloodstone necklaces are often made from pressed hematite powder, which is inexpensively mass-produced in the Far East. To distinguish them, they are sometimes referred to as hematin or hematin jewelry.

Hematite represents strength and endurance. It strengthens perseverance and helps implement plans and projects despite external adversity. As the name bloodstone suggests, hematite is said to support iron absorption and oxygen transport in the blood, strengthen the circulatory system, and generally promote blood flow. Hematite is also used to treat migraines and stress-related headaches.