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Hematite

Hematite is iron oxide, a principal ore of iron. Its name comes from the Greek haimatites (blood like), which refers to the blood-red color of powdered hematite.

Hematite produced in Alaska for jewelry purposes is often referred to as black diamond or Alaska diamond.  It takes a mirror-like polish.

Engraved seals made of hematite were used in Babylon.

Lore

"Azchalias, as cited by Pliny taught that human destinies were influenced by the virtues inherent in precious stones, and asserted that the hematite, when used as a talisman, procured for the wearer a favorable hearing of petitions addressed to kings and a fortunate issue of lawsuits and judgments.  . . . As an iron ore and hence associated with Mars, the god of war, this substance was also considered to be an invaluable help to the warrior on the field of battle if he rubbed his body with it.  Probably, like the loadstone, it was believed to confer invulnerability." ¹

"Hematite is a strange stone.  It is heavy, solid, and silvery black.  Its name alone is something of a mystery.  To ancients, hematite was what we now know as bloodstone, so virtually all magical information relating to 'hematite' in old books refers to bloodstone.  This hematite, though, when worked  on a lapidary wheel, "bleeds' and produces stains that look much like blood, . . " ²

Medicinally hematite has been used to treat blood disorders and cure headache.  Evidence suggests that the Egyptians used hematite to cure hysteria.

Zachalias, of Bablyon, believed that hematite was useful to litigants or petitioners appearing before the king.

New Age Lore dictates that hematite is useful in past life work. It is said to help one work out unresolved problems between your past and present.

Hematite " . . . can be used to stimulate the desire for, and to facilitate the attainment of, peace, self-control, and inner happiness.  It is also conducive to enabling one to enter into a loving relationship.  It has been said to attract ;kind; love." ³

Sometimes used for scrying answers.

1)  George Frederick Kunz  "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones"

2)  Scott Cunningham  "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic"

3)  A. Melody "Love Is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 196