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Hematite Beads - The Benefits of Magnetic Therapy

The benefits of hematite
Hematite makes great jewellery because it's inexpensive and look shiny and sleek. People wear it as rings, bracelets and necklaces not only for style, but because they believe the magnetic variety relieves rheumatism. Magnetic therapy has been around for over 4,000 years.

The idea is that a magnetic field can relax capillary walls in the body. This causes an increase in blood flow, similar to the effect of massaging your muscles, and stimulate the areas around the muscles to speed up healing. Others say, magnetic jewellery allows the body to produce endorphins, the natural pain killers.

What is hematite
Hematite is one of the most common minerals, formed by oxidized iron. Although usually black in jewellery, it adds to the red colour of garnet and ruby. All non-crystalline forms of hematite come from the mineral Limonite that lost water due to heat. Hence recent excitement of the discovery of grey hematite on the planet Mars - suggesting there was water once present. Only well-formed crystals are cut and polished into cabochons for jewellery, beads, and ornaments.

Hematite comes from a Greek word for "blood-like" because of the colour, and ancient superstition believed that hematite was formed from battles.

Different types of hematite beads
Not all hematite is magnetic.  Sometimes the magnetic attraction can be a disadvantage to jewellery design - pulling metal from other components.  And there is a new type of hematite bead recently available giving yet another angle to this versatile metal - Aurora Borealis. This is hematite with an AB coating similarly used on crystals to give a multi-coloured effect when turned.  This looks striking on jewellery designed to be worn in bright lights at night.

Properties
Hematite's properties come from the energy of iron and the calming of oxygen. It's a protective stone and its energy helps you connect with the Earth. Use during meditation to escape the illusionary chains of physical reality and become more connected to your true, spirit self - it's been used as an aid to astral projection. It also bolsters low self-esteem, making you feel more comfortable.

Its grounding and soothing energies can help you relax and unwind both physically and mentally. Hematite is said to be closely tied to the blood due to its iron content. Believed to aid the kidneys, speed tissue regeneration, and contribute to improving the blood, and so the overall health of your entire body.

Hematite is a good choice for those born under the zodiac sign of Virgo.

To see our 18 different shapes of hematite beads click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

Autumn Jewellery

Autumn is a great time to make some classy seasonal jewellery.  Amber is ideal for this time of year, along with all types of brown, dark greens, gold, and misty yellow.  Pearls, nature's treasure from the deep, can be very effective mixed with other beads – especially as they come in autumn colours too.  Let these fabulous fall colours with a touch of gold capture your imagination as well as your eye. 

Try mixing contrasting colours like brown and gold with blues and green.  Some of the most popular gemstones that make fabulous autumn jewellery are listed below.  To see any of these gemstones in our US store, just click the picture.                                 

 Agate
Agate is the obvious stone to use in Fall.  It forms by filling a cavity in its host rock, resulting in round nodules, with bands like the rings of a tree trunk, looking like eyes.  Agate was highly valued as a talisman in ancient times and has been used as a traveler’s amulet for centuries.  It is believed to bring good fortune, health, wealth and long life.  Some call its strange patterns 'cosmic caterpillar tracks'.  Others' swear that wearing these beads can heighten the spiritual consciousness and balance the body's physical and mental states.  Dzi is one of the most mysterious of all the beads known today.  These shiny Tibetan agate beads, patterned with mystical eyes are among the most treasured beads in the world. “Dzi” in Tibetan means:  "shine, brightness, clearness, and splendor.

  Carnelian
Another stone from the quartz family, usually bright orange to reddish orange. Carnelian is for confidence.  Said to help blood disorders and eliminate toxins from the body.  Carnelian is in tune with the energies of the Earth, making you feel anchored and comfortable with your environment.  A good stone for people starting new projects or who feel they are going nowhere.  It motivates, allowing you to find the energy to make the most out of life.

Citrine
”Citrine” comes from the French word for lemon, and is any quartz crystal or cluster that’s yellow to orange.  The darker, orange colours were traditionally the best, but today people prefer bright lemony shades to mix with pastel colours.  Sunny citrine brightens all jewellery, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold.  The yellow colour is a natural reviver, and citrine focuses the mind bringing a feeling of self-esteem.  

 Coral
Coral was long thought to be a strong talisman against evil spirits and hurricanes.  It is also said to reduce blood flow.  Naturally its colour ranges from white to red, but most red coral these days is dyed. However, these days almost any colour can be made by dying white coral. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees.  

 
Flake Stone

The most common flaked stone is goldstone which is ideal for autumn jewellery.  A man-made stone, first created by alchemists trying to make gold - however, all material has properties, these are transmitter stones.  Causing light to pass through you in order to convey or receive a medium.  Revitalizing, energizing, and encouraging a positive attitude and individualism.

Jade & Aventurine
For 5,000 years Imperial China used the word "jade" as something precious.  Because jade is said to have all the attributes most valued in society.  A symbol of purity and serenity, it is delicate, but will not break - is beautiful, but not impermanent, it can be flawed with lines, but still pleasing. It is believed to radiate divine unconditional love and balance the emotions.  The most famous type of jade carved in China is from Burma, with shades of green, lavender, yellow, white and grey. 

Jasper
Jasper was highly valued in ancient times, not only for its beauty, but also for its magical and medicinal properties.  Jasper is known as the “patron stone of counselors and healers”.  Red jasper is an intensely protective stone, stabilizing the aura and bringing contentment.  Poppy jasper is dark red with black flecks.  Picture  jasper is pale brown with darker patterns - named from pictures formed by patterns caused by trapped fossilizes algae.  Fancy jasper is creamy brown with lavender or green swirls.