Did you know that Alabama has a designated state mineral? All the states have them; ours is hematite.
Hematite was designated the official state mineral by the Alabama State Legislature in 1967. Approximately 375 million tons of hematite was mined in Alabama from 1840 to 1975 (when mining in Alabama ceased) contributing to the development of Birmingham, Alabama as an industrial center.
Hematite is a common mineral - most red coloring in rocks is caused by small amounts of hematite. 98% of mined ore is used to make steel. The other 2% has a variety of uses, including inks, magnets, plastic, medicine, cosmetics and jewelry.
When highly polished, hematite can sometimes appear like polished silver. As a gemstone hematite is opaque and typically occurs with blackish-gray color. However, in thin crystals, it is actually transparent and exhibits a reddish to brown color.
As a gemstone, hematite is typically cut en cabochon. It is often carved into ornamental objects and is also used in intaglio etchings. Hematite's popularity in jewelry was at its peak in Europe during the Victorian era, particularly for mourning jewelry. Today, hematite remains popular for ornamental purposes and jewelry design. It is often set in rings or fashioned into beads for necklaces and bracelets.
| It is cut and polished into cabochons for jewelry and ornaments, fashioned into beads for bracelets and necklaces, and carved into ornamental figures. |
| It is cut and polished into cabochons for jewelry and ornaments, fashioned into beads for bracelets and necklaces, and carved into ornamental figures. |
Recently, we posted this photo of these beautiful hematite and diamond earrings worn by Krystal Joy Brown at the 2014 Tony Awards.
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