Specular Hematite Specimen – 180g 120MM

Description

Where does this Specular Hematite Specimen originate?

This quality of quartz on Specularite and Hematite is very rare. Specularite or Specular Hematite is found worldwide but this kind of quality is very uncommon and usually derives from the Florence Mine in Egremont Cumbria, England. This former deep iron ore mine was the last deep mine to close in Europe (2007 but stopped active mining in the 1980’s) and produced some of the best examples of the material anywhere in the world.

Our Specular Hematite all originates from the Florence Mine.

What is Specular Hematite?

This is a terrific example of a rare, complex and interesting mineral.  Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) can form into aggregates of mirror like flakes or tabular anhedral crystals which then are often referred to as Specularite due to this mirrored reflective characteristic. However, as we can see in this example there is also an overgrowth of Fluorite crystals (CaF2) and some stunning Quartz crystals as well (SiO2).  These beautiful silver-grey to almost black metallic crystals are a stunning contrast to the clear quartz and fluorite crystals intermingled in the specimen.

What are the myths and legends associated with this Specular Hematite Specimen?

The name ‘Hematite’ comes from the Greek term for blood.  Given the often-reddish rust like hue to Hematite ores this makes sense. In Greek tradition there is a belief that Hematite forms under the ground where great battles had previously taken place. The blood of the dean and injured soaked into the ground and literally seeped into the rocks to give it this colour.  In Greek mythology Cronos the God of Time was freed and used a diamond sickle to castrate his father Uranus. It was the blood from this wound which originally petrified and formed as Hematite. In later mythology Hematite was a stone sacred to Ares the God of War as it was attributed with the power to stop bleeding and heal wounds.  Greek soldiers would sometimes wear Hematite applied to their bodies as they went into battle.

In Ancient Egypt Hematite was often placed in burials however its use goes back much further into our ancient past. Pigments using the reddish ores derived from Hematite have been dated back to cave paintings in Europe between 80,000 and 100,000 years old. Ancient, mummified remains have shown traces of hematite pigmentation used on the face.

Ancient lapidary texts dating to King Mithradates refer to Hematite and its healing properties in 135BC and it appears in Mesopotamian records from the 2nd Century AD.

What are the healing properties of this Specular Hematite Specimen?

Hematite is generally considered to be a good preventative medical healing crystal. It promotes wellness, balance, and generally is reputed to prevent illness.  It also is good for circulatory, kidney and liver conditions.

What are the spiritual properties of this Specular Hematite Specimen?

Specular Hematite carries all the properties of Hematite but also the additional effect of the quartz and fluorite.   This brings Hematite’s grounding and centering power to the higher plane and connects the crown and root chakras which are normally at opposite ends of the vibrational spectrum.  This helps balance the two.  Meditating with Specular Hematite therefore helps us find our true path free from self-deception and facilitates our movement towards our higher self.  The star like, celestial crystal patterns help us reach into those other realms and acquire and retain new knowledge and understanding.

Specular Hematite is a very good healing stone especially for therapy work on trauma or past life healing.  It is a powerfully protective energy that transforms negative energy and reflects it back as love.

Specular Hematite helps us strip away our self-doubts and the limitations we sometimes construct around ourselves. It gives confidence, inner strength and creativity.  It pushes to accept responsibility for bad judgements and actions and in doing so enables us to reconcile ourselves to mistakes and become better.

How do I use this Specular Hematite Specimen?

This is a good choice of specimen to have in a healing or therapy environment. It also would be well placed in a workplace connected to law, legal action or business leadership. I love this in my own meditation space as I find it a great stone to work with when accessing other realms.

Which crystals work well with this Specular Hematite Specimen?

Examples of good combinations can be found in some of these Healing Boxes from our site. The ‘Calming’ Healing Box, ‘New Mum’ Healing Box, and the ‘Communication’ Healing Box.

How do I care for my Specular Hematite Specimen?

Find out about ways to cleanse your crystals in our blog article cleansing crystals in our blog article.

What Zodiac sign is Specular Hematite associated with?

Specular Hematite is associated with Aquarius

What Chakras is Specular Hematite associated with?

Specular Hematite works well with the ROOT and CROWN chakras.

How Large is this Specular Hematite Specimen?

This is a high-grade Specular Hematite Specimen. The size is approximately 180g in weight and 120MM.