The Meaning of Hematite / Quartz Combine hematite
The origin of the word hematite comes from another Greek word, ‘haema’ which is interpreted to mean blood. This is due to the red-colours streak on the element.
This meaning has led through the ages to hematite’s application to blood disorders. They also have been used for protective purpose that could be against bleeding.
This is a word of revelation in that the prefix ‘haema’ is in the word ‘haemoglobin’ – the protein which transports oxygen in the blood. It is also used as the ‘a-‘ in ‘haematoma’, a clotted mass of blood, and ‘haematology’ – the branch of medicine dealing with the blood.
Theophrastus the ancient Greek philosopher who speaks of ‘haematites’ says the stone is red like ‘dried blood’. The other author and naturalist, Roman, writing about haematite, and though not including it on his list of minerals says that its hue is ‘blood red’.
Thus, there are references to a ‘precious stone’ commonly known as ‘haematites’ but historical scholars differ with a view of considering it most probably red jasper.
