Hematite was once largely used to engrave upon, many of the ancient intaglios being on this mineral. It is now cut to simulate black pearls, and is also used in the cheaper jewelry, both engraved and cut cabochon.

Hematite has the hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, and specific gravity, 4.2 to 5.3; it is opaque, and shows a red streak when scratched. It is composed of:

The colors of hematite are dark-steel gray to iron-black, and sometimes brownish- to blood-red. The lustre is highly metallic, with slight iridescence.

The island of Elba, France, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Bohemia, England, Brazil, Chili, Canada, Spain, and the United States are places where hematite is found. The Germans call this mineral “blood-stone,” and it is also known as specular iron ore and iron glance.