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Determining the date when Hematite use began would be very dificult, but it has probably been used since the earliest days of human civilization. The ancient Egyptians used Hematite in the creation of their magical amulets such as the carpenter stone and head rest amulet and several heart amulets. Some of these amulets were treatments for madness and inflamation. The Greek word haima, which means blood, is the root of Hematite's name and originates from the stone's dark red streak. Hematite relates to Mars, the Roman God of War. Warriors in Roman times used Hematite as protection during battle. So strong was their belief in the power of Hematite to protect them that they thought it could even make them invincible. Some cultures even believed Hematite formed from the blood that had fallen on the battlefield. Red Ochre is a paint that originated in Native American cultures, who used it as a face paint. |
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