Hematite Meaning, Uses & Care

Hematite is iron oxide — the same compound as rust, compressed into a mirror-grey metallic stone that weighs more than it looks like it should. Ground up it is red ochre, the oldest pigment humans ever used; polished, it was Victorian mourning jewellery. Iron, weight, blood, earth: the associations write themselves.

ColourMetallic
ChakraRoot
ZodiacAries, Aquarius
ElementEarth
Known forgrounding, protection, focus

What hematite is used for

It is the anchor: grounding, focus, a calm nervous system. Of all the grounding stones this is the one people describe physically — the weight in the hand does half the work. The tradition sets it at the root chakra and recommends it for scattered days and busy heads.

The weight is the feature: pick the piece you like holding. A palm stone or worry stone in hematite outperforms prettier stones at the actual job.

How to care for it

Keep dry; it can rust. Cleanse with sound. Keep it dry — it is iron and it can rust. Cleanse with sound, not water.

Hematite in the shop

Stones that keep it company

The full crystal library →  ·  Not sure? Take the two-minute quiz →