Hematite’s shiny metallic luster and dark gray to black to black color give it a special beauty and appeal that’s shared by few other stones. 
 It’s inexpensive, and available ina wide range of sizes, so it’s atraditional favorite for men’s rings-especially when it’s engraved with a warrior’s head or animal motif. 
 It’s also widely used for pendants as well as bead necklaces and bracelets. 
 Hematite has the highest density (weight-to-size ratio) of any commonly available natural gem.
 This gives hematite jewelry a weighty feel and an aura of value.
 Its high density has a dows side for some wearers of hematite earrings,though:Large pendant and hoop styles are too heavy to wear comfortably for long periods.
Hematite is composed of iron oxide, so it’s chemically the same as common rust. The name comes from the Greek word haima, which means “blood” refefrring to the color of rthe mineral in its powder form. 
Hematite’s name means, literally, “blood stone.”
People in ancient mideatern cultures believed that hematite would ensure victory in lawsuits and favorable judgmente from kings and others in authority. 
During Roman times, the gem was associated with Mars,god of war:It was believed to protect a warrior who rubbed it on his body. 
Native Americans also used powdered hematite as a pigment for war paint.