he·ma·tite | ˈhē-mə-ˌtīt
noun
An iron ore consisting of ferric oxide in crystalline form
Hematite is a type of iron ore that is especially shiny and silvery when used in jewelry, but that becomes a reddish powder when ground down. Hematite has been used going back to antiquity because of its uniquely dark appearance combined with the shine it maintains. It is not widely sought after as a primary gemstone, but there are a number of highly coveted pieces dating back centuries made from hematite. Hematite is relatively common and is very heavy due to its iron concentration. It can be found in Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, England, China, and some locations in the United States. Polished Hematite is completely opaque and has a silverish, metallic shine to it.
