XL natural stone — Hematite

The stone as the earth formed it, simply freed from its matrix and cleaned. Sharp edges, irregular faces, a matte or glassy luster depending on the vein.

A metallic steel gray, dense and heavy in the hand, which leaves a blood-red trace on porcelain.

What tradition says. Tradition makes it the grounding stone above all others; it is credited with an influence of physical recentering.

Use & care. Set it on a tray, in a bowl, next to a candle. Rough pieces sit well beside polished ones, by contrast. Rinse under clear water and dry; some soft materials cannot take water, check first.

• Its name comes from the Greek "haima", blood — a reference to the red powder it produces.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.