Frequently asked questions

• Is hematite magnetic, and what does that mean for stringing?

  Natural hematite is weakly magnetic at best — strongly magnetic 'hematite' beads on the market are typically hematine, a sintered iron-oxide composite engineered to hold a magnetic charge. Both string normally on beading wire or silk, but if magnetic clasp compatibility matters for your design, confirm the material before ordering. For mixed-media work, hematite's heft pairs well with lighter materials like wood, bone, or freshwater pearl to balance weight across a finished piece without dragging the drape.
• What does 'coated' hematite mean and how does it affect care?

  Some hematite is surface-coated to produce finishes like rainbow, gold, or matte black that aren't native to the stone. The coating sits on the polished surface and can wear at drill holes or against findings over time. Coated material is also more sensitive to moisture — prolonged contact with water, sweat, or skin oils can lead to surface rust spots on the underlying iron oxide. Wipe with a dry soft cloth after wear and store dry. Treatment should be disclosed; ask before buying if it isn't specified.
• How do I tell hematite apart from pyrite, magnetite, and goldstone?

  Hematite is iron oxide with a dark steel-gray to near-black metallic luster and a distinctive red-brown streak. Pyrite (iron sulfide) reads brassy yellow and is typically faceted to flash. Magnetite looks similar to hematite but is strongly magnetic in its natural state and streaks black. Goldstone isn't a stone at all — it's copper-flecked glass with an unmistakable sparkle pattern. In the bead trade, polished hematite is fairly distinctive once you've handled it: heavy for its size, cool to the touch, and matte-to-mirror gray rather than yellow or sparkled.
• What jewelry applications does hematite work best in?

  Hematite's weight and metallic sheen make it a strong accent or spacer stone — small rounds, cubes, and faceted rondelles in 2–4mm read like blackened-steel beads and pair cleanly with sterling, oxidized silver, and gunmetal findings. It's useful for grounding bright color palettes (turquoise, coral, lapis) or building monochrome men's pieces. Be mindful of total strand weight in long necklaces; hematite is dense, so a 24-inch rope of 8mm rounds carries noticeably more heft than the same length in agate or jasper. Earrings benefit from the weight staying modest.
• Is hematite durable enough for rings and bracelets?

  At Mohs 5.5–6.5, hematite is durable enough for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings with normal wear, but it's below the 7+ threshold generally recommended for ring stones that take daily abrasion. Bracelets see the most contact wear of any wrist-or-up piece, so expect polish to soften over time, particularly at drill holes. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and prolonged water exposure — coated material especially can rust. Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth, dry thoroughly, and store separately from harder stones that can scratch the polished surface.