Hematite

General Information: Hematite is an iron oxide mineral (Fe₂O₃) — one of the most abundant iron minerals on Earth — displaying a metallic, silver-gray to black surface when polished, with a distinctive red-brown streak. It is named from the Greek word for blood, due to the red color of its powdered form.

Origin Locations: Brazil, Canada, England, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Related Chakras: Root

Metaphysical Properties: Hematite is universally recognized as the master grounding and anchoring stone, carrying one of the most powerful earth-connecting energies available. It is believed to bring scattered, anxious, or overwhelmed energy back into the body and into the present moment. Practitioners use it to strengthen the electromagnetic field of the body, create a stabilizing foundation for energetic work, and protect against the draining of personal energy. Hematite is associated with willpower, confidence, and the courage to stand firm in one's truth. It also supports logical thinking, focus, and the practical organization of thoughts and plans.

Identification Tips: Metallic, silver-gray to black when polished; heavy for its size; red-brown streak on unglazed ceramic; hardness 5–6; strong metallic luster. Note that "magnetic hematite" sold commercially is typically a synthetic product.

Popular Uses: Grounding, protection, focus, willpower, energy work, jewelry, feng shui.