Last Updated on February 27, 2022
Hematite cannot go in the water because it contains iron oxide that can rust. It may be washed briefly or soaked in water, but it should not be immersed for lengthy periods.
Hematite has been used since ancient times as an ornamental stone and for other uses such as a pigment. It is a heavy, hard stone with metallic to splendent luster and various gray, red, and black shades.
Hematite is also known to have a grounding and calming effect, which is why it has been used in jewelry and other items for spiritual purposes. It is said to help with issues related to stress and anxiety.
To know more about hematite and its properties, scroll down below, and we’ll answer the questions you may have.
- How do you clean raw hematite?
- How can you tell if hematite is real?
- What does fake hematite look like?
- Is hematite always magnetic?
Can Hematite Go In Water?
Hematite has a chemical formula of iron oxide, which is very reactive when it comes in contact with water. Because of this, hematite should not be left in water for long periods, or it could start to rust.
Hematite is an ore of iron and can be found worldwide, with the most significant deposits in the USA, Brazil and Australia. It is a hard mineral with brittle tenacity, and it can be easily broken into pieces. Hematite has a black to steel or silver-gray color in raw form, but when polished, its color ranges from a bright metallic luster to dark gray.
Contact with water causes hematite to rust, typically turning the stone’s surface into a reddish-brown or yellow color. Sometimes, the rust can go beyond the surface and cause damage to the interior of the stone.
The water molecules in the cracks and crevices of the stone will also widen them, making the stone more susceptible to breaking. This is especially true if the water has any salt content, which can increase the rate of rusting.
How Do You Clean Raw Hematite?
Hematite does not require special cleaning instructions and can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals as these will dull the color of your hematite over time. It is also important that you do not use any abrasive cleaners as this will scratch the surface and remove some of the stone’s shine.
To clean raw hematite, wet the toothbrush and add a small amount of soap. Rub the bristles over the hematite until it is clean. Rinse the hematite with warm water and dry off any remaining moisture with a soft cloth. You may also air dry your hematite if you wish.
How Can You Tell If Hematite Is Real?
A quick and easy way to tell if hematite is real is by placing a magnet against it. If the stone attracts the magnet, you can be sure that it’s not real hematite. Genuine hematite will not be magnetic.
Another way to tell if hematite is real or not is by comparing the color. Real hematite typically has a dark gray or black color, while fake stones have a more orange or red hue. So if the stone you are looking at does not have a very dark color, it is not likely to be hematite.
Additionally, hematite stones are often shiny and have a metallic luster. If the stone does not have a shiny surface or look metallic, it is also not likely to be hematite.
Lastly, real hematite stones are heavy for their size. If the stone you are looking at is light for its size, it is likely not to be hematite.
What Does Fake Hematite Look Like?
Fake hematite is a type of stone that has been dyed or coated to look like actual hematite.
Fake hematite stones are magnetic and will attract a magnet, the opposite of genuine hematite stones.
They will also have a more orange or red hue to them, and the surface of the stone will be matte instead of shiny like real hematite.
Fake hematite is sometimes called “hematine,” a type of synthetic man-made material that can look like natural hematite stone.
Is Hematite Always Magnetic?
Hematite stones are non-magnetic. If you place a magnet against the stone, it will not attract. This is because hematite stones are composed of iron oxide, with a very low magnetic susceptibility.
On the other hand, fake hematite is typically made from synthetic material like man-made glass or plastic, which will be magnetic.
