Specular Hematite

Specular Hematite, a.k.a. micaceous hematite, has a metallic sheen and appears to be composed of thousands of super shiny mica flakes.

Hematite (iron oxide), also known as Alaska Black Diamond has such a high sheen when polished that long ago it was used for mirrors. Because iron was traditionally associated with Mars (the Roman god of war) warriors used to rub their bodies with it before battle as protection. Native American folklore also suggests Hematite war paint provided invincibility. The ancient Egyptians liked hematite as a calming stone, carved it into amulets and used it as an inscription stone for parts of the Book of the Dead. Meaning “blood stone” (from Greek), Hematite was traditionally used to heal blood disorders and worn as an amulet against bleeding. Hematite is said to be grounding, bring concentration and increase intuition.