Hematite: A Mineral/Metal found both on Mars and Earth!

A fellow wire artist was telling me about this type of wire called Hematite by Beadalon. You can pick it up at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I thought, hmm interesting and then realized that though I am used to Hematite jewelry--magnetized or non magnetized, Hematite, the mineral form of iron, is, indeed, a metal. Hematite in its  raw form is a beautiful silvery grey. When polished it gets darker almost black. When it's been ground into powder, it is red, hence the name Hematite. The wire I picked up yesterday has a brass core with a Hematite finishing or plating. 

Hematite gets around. It's spectral signature was found on Mars by the infrared spectrometer on the NASA Mars Global Surveyor and also  2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft in orbit around Mars. Click here to read the NASA archived Mars Global Surveyor TES Instrument ID of Hematite on Mars. According to Josuha L. Bandfield 2002 report, Hematite was abundant at two major sites on Mars:  Terra Meridiani, which is near the Martian equator at 0 degrees Longitude; and at  Aram Chaos near the Valles Marineris. 

Aquamarine wrapped in Hematite and rose colored copper wire by the Gem Diva. Click here to buy!

So what exactly does Hematite do? 

Hematite grounds and protects us.  It strengthens our connection with the earth, making us feel safe and secure.  It endows us with courage, strength, endurance and vitality.  A stone for the mind, Hematite stimulates concentration and focus, enhancing memory and original thought.

Hematite utilizes the magnetic qualities of our yin-yang energies to balance the meridians within the body and to provide a stable equilibrium between the ethereal nervous system and the physical nervous system.  It focuses energy and emotions for balance between the body, mind and spirit. Hematite dissolves negativity and prevents you from absorbing the negativity of others.  Hematite is strong, supporting timidity, boosting self-esteem and and the ability to survive, enhancing willpower and reliability, and imparting confidence.  It helps to overcome compulsions and addictions, treating overeating, smoking and other forms of overindulgence. 

Hematite restores, strengthens and regulates the blood supply, aiding blood conditions such as anemia.  It supports the kidneys and regenerates tissue.  Stimulates the absorption of iron and formation of red blood cells.  Hematite treats pain and leg cramps, anxiety, and insomnia while also aiding spinal alignment and fractures.