Hematite

Basic Knowledge

Hematite is a very common mineral, colored black to steel or silver-gray, brown to reddish brown, or red. It is mined as the main ore of iron. Varieties include Bloodstone, Iron Rose, Kidney Ore, Martite, Paint Ore, Specularite (Specular Hematite), Rainbow Hematite and Titano-hematite. While the forms of hematite vary, they all have a rust-red streak.

The name hematite is derived from the Greek word for blood, since sometimes hematite can be red, as in Rouge, a powderized form of hematite. It shares this root with the word hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-transporting molecule in red blood cells, the iron of which causes blood to be red. The color of hematite lends it well in use as a pigment.

The Egyptians made extensive use of hematite as amulets. The "head rest" and the "carpenter's stone" were made of hematite, as were 4 of the 47 heart amulets in the Cairo Museum. It was said that hematite brought good fortune to those addressing kings, lawsuits, and judges. Hematite offered invulnerability to warriors. Roman soldiers wore tiger's-eyes engraved for protection during battles.

Hematite was used in seals as early as 2500 B.C. This projective stone promotes protection, courage, energy, luck and is good for divination and money spells. This is a warm stone and promotes energy flow through the body.

 

 

Bardic Knowledge

DC	Things Known
10 -Common	Hematite is said to be powerful in drawing illness from the body. It is also worn for grounding and stabilizing purposes and to focus the attention on the physical plane. When gazed into by candlelight, it can be used for scrying.
20-Uncommon	There are veins of Hematite in the Scarred lands that are said to be made from the blood of the battles fought during the Titan war.
30-Obscure	The Dwarves of Burok Torn only allow experienced miners to gather and select the veins of Hematite for use inside the city.
40-Very Obscure	The pieces of the Titan Mormo, Mother of Serpents and unworked Hematite are very difficult to tell apart. (DC 25 appraise)

Rare Uses and Items

Hematite Bear

The Hematite Bear is said to be the trapped essence of a Celestrial Hurro, and is often sought after by adventurers hearing rumors of its whereabouts. The Hags of the Scarred Lands also seek the Hematite Bear, though they have never said why, which adds a potentially more dangerous aspect to finding this artifact.

Nothing is known of its powers, if any, though researchers from the Library of Lokil continue to look into the history of this item, and even question if it ever really existed outside of myth.

 

 

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