Hematite is a common mineral known from ancient times.
Egyptians and Babylonians used it for ornamental purposes. Today it is a
major ore of iron with deposits occurring all over the world. Crystallized
hematite is also found in many places such as the Brumado mine, Bahia, Brazil;
the Wessels mine, Cape Province, South Africa; Rio Marina, and Elba, Italy.
These include exceptional clusters of jet-black, bladed crystals, some associating
with water-clear quartz crystals, and inclusions of rutile.
As late as the 17th century, physicians were still calling the mineral "bloodstone"
and prescribing it for nasal hemorrhages. When worn, hematite was believed
to assist in the winning of lawsuits and military victories. |