Hematite

The name hematite is derived from the Greek word haima, which means blood, and refers to the red colour of this mineral. Hematite is used as a raw material in the synthesis of various ferrites (used as magnets). It is also used for jewellery, as an abrasive for polishing jewellery and lenses, and as a catalyst in some industrial syntheses. Hematite is the most stable and most widespread of all iron oxides.