Hematite

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Hematite has several varieties, each with their own unique names. Hematite Rose is a circular arrangment of bladed crystals giving the appearance of the flower of a rose. Tiger Iron is a sedimentary deposit of approximately 2.2 billion years old that consists of alternating layers of silver gray hematite and red jasper, chert or even tiger eye quartz. Kidney Ore is the massive botryoidal form and gives the appearance of lumpy kidney-like masses. Oolitic Hematite is a sedimentary formation that has a reddish brown colour and an earthy luster and is composed of small rounded grains.

Specularite is a micaceous or flaky stone that is sparkling silver gray and sometimes used as an ornamental stone. Hematite is an important ore of iron and it's blood red colour (in the powdered form) lends itself well in use as a pigment. Hematite gets its name from a greek word meaning blood-like because of the colour of its powder. Ancient superstition held that large deposits of hematite formed from battles that were fought and the subsequent blood that flowed into the ground.