Jewelry with a backstory is that much more fun to wear. Enter: hematite rings. The history of hematite is one you’ll be eager to share with people when they ask where you bought your ring. Its black-silver sheen adds drama to pieces, especially for those hoping to achieve shimmery sophistication. In this guide, we hold this gemstone under the jeweler’s magnifying glass and examine its impact.
What Is Hematite?
Hematite is called the “blood stone” because when it’s taken from the earth, it’s originally a reddish-brown color. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word for blood, haema, with “te” translating to stone. But once it’s fashioned into jewelry, hematite flaunts an inky black exterior. Said to bring balance and protect the wearer from evil energies, there’s a lot of mystery hidden behind its shiny black luster.
Hematite Ring Meaning
The mineral itself is fragile, but hematite’s dark color conveys strength. While the stone is not necessarily physically sturdy or tough, the black stone’s commanding and elegant appearance can be a reminder to channel control. In this way, hematite can ground an individual or couple with calm. You’ll have to be more responsible as a wearer anyway because the ring easily erodes, so to avoid succumbing to your ring’s frailty, you’re already well on your way to becoming a more conscientious person.
What Does Hematite Look Like?
After it’s been polished up, hematite takes on an iconic black gloss with a silvery metallic gleam. In jewelry, hematite’s black color was used for mourning during Victorian times, and now the “tough” hue makes it popular modern men’s wear. Driving that popularity is its deceptively convincing cosplay as a black “diamond” (with a friendlier price point).
Where Can Hematite Be Found?
Hematite is found the world-over in mineral hot springs and still water. In the U.S., hematite rocks have a heavy presence in Yellowstone National Park and the Lake Superior district. It also occurs in sedimentary deposits in China, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, England, and Canada. As far as where you can shop for hematite gemstones…ahem, we have a suggestion.
What Is Hematite Used For?
The opaque black stone gives hematite a bold edge for couples seeking non-traditional alternative engagement rings or wedding bands. Whether the wearer’s vibe is rocker, gothic, or dignified, the unexpected black stone adds undeniable intrigue to jewelry.
History of Hematite Rings
Whether its reddish pigment was used by cavemen to paint walls, by Native Americans as war paint, or by Egyptians to adorn their tombs, hematite has a rich and quite literally illustrious history. Carved intaglios, for example, are still a popular stylistic choice once hematite has been modified into jewelry — an intaglio is essentially an imprinted image within the stone. Black or red, whatever picture the user has wanted to paint (or facet), hematite has been a constant in cross-cultural expression.
Pros of Hematite Rings
- Hematite is affordable because it’s a common mineral
- Hematite is a symbol of stability, encouraging growth and spiritual healing
- Hematite unique coloring provides an eye-catching statement for engagement rings
Cons of Hematite Rings
- Hematite is vulnerable to abrading (erosion) because of its fragility
- Hematite can cost more for the necessary protective setting
- Hematite is finicky when it comes to cleaning rituals and requires special care
How to Tell if Hematite is Real
True hematite is heavy with a metallic black-and-silver body. Reddish-brown streaks may appear when the ring is rubbed with coarse materials, such as sandpaper, revealing its original pigment. If your hematite doesn’t respond to a magnet, then your gem is genuine (though hematite has a weak magnetic field, it shouldn’t react). If it does react to magnets, the ring is most likely hematine, a close knockoff.
How Much Should a Hematite Ring Cost?
Because of its tendency to erode, a hematite ring is deservedly budget-friendly. It’s much softer than stones typically worn as wedding rings, so it will most likely need a replacement over time. Consider this in your cost analysis, but anywhere from $100 to $1,500 is common for a ring featuring this gem.
How to Take Care of a Hematite Ring
Hematite may be a symbol of strength, but will crack and shatter if dropped, and can scratch somewhat readily (we’re not joking about its fragility). Though hematite was worn to improve a warrior’s chances of survival, the mineral’s own fate is pretty precarious. We don’t say all that to scare you, just to prevent false expectations. We also wouldn’t say all that if there wasn’t hope.
To prevent general wear and tear of your hematite ring, follow these steps:
- Wash the ring with mild soap to prolong the stone’s life.
- Avoid extended contact with water, which can cause discoloration when it interacts with your stone’s iron. Water should be warm.
- Be sure to dry your ring after water exposure. Only use soft cloths. Abrasive brushes will scratch the ring.
- Because of hematite’s sensitivity to open air, you’ll want to store it in a sealed box or pouch when it’s not worn.
- Remove the ring when cooking, cleaning, exercising, or during any other activity where heat and moisture are brought to bear.
Hematite Ring FAQs
Can I wear my hematite ring every day?
If worn every day, hematite rings should be removed for cooking, cleaning, and exercise due to their sensitivity — they don’t do well around heat and moisture. That being said, the stone’s delicate nature might not be the safe choice for athletes or the accident-prone.
Why do hematite rings actually break?
Hematite is a brittle mineral because it rusts easily from absorbing moisture and heat (from sweat, for example). Though all that iron gives the gem its gorgeous coloring, this also means that, chemically, it has a lot in common with rust.
What hand should hematite ring go on?
Allegedly, your left hand promotes connection to your higher chakras, which lift and inspire you, and your ring finger is your root chakra, which can keep you connected to the earth. Because hematite supposedly connects mind and body for stability, this adds to the mineral’s meaning of overall balance.
What settings and metals look best with hematite?
White metals provide a chic contrast to hematite’s soft black-and-silver shine, while sterling silver complements the coloring. A bezel setting can help safeguard the fragile stone. For the same reason, steer clear of prongs and faceting that can expedite the mineral’s erosion.
Are there any stones that give a similar look to hematite?
A black diamond can be a more expensive alternative to hematite, capturing the strong, bold look without as much susceptibility to wear. Onyx and black spinel can also make fine treasures in your hunt for a durable dark gem.
Is hematite magnetic?
No. Hematine (a close synthetic) has mild magnetic properties, and is regarded as “healing jewelry,” which is associated with regeneration. But true hematite should not respond to magnets. If it does, your gem is most likely fake.
What color is hematite?
In nature, hematite is a reddish-brown. As jewelry, it’s opaque with a metallic silver-black luster. Reddish-brown streaks may occur, and red hematite stones themselves exist if you want your jewelry to retain the original pigment. This coloring is more expensive.
Is hematite a mineral?
Yes, it is a heavy oxide mineral with high iron content.
Final Thoughts
Whether you believe in its metaphysical properties or you’re taking extra precaution because of its physical ones, hematite encourages its wearer to be a more thoughtful person. For truly conscientious jewelry, shop all gemstones at Brilliant Earth, where everything is ethically-sourced.
