Hematite Beads & Semi Precious Nuggets Beaded Choker Necklace.

This Hematite Bead Choker is a striking piece of hand strung jewelry. The Hematite beads have been strung with a variety semi-precious nuggets including genuine Turquoise, Amethyst, Jasper, Agate, Quartz, and more in a fashionable and eye-catching design. The Hematite beads are carved into cylinders and their polished steely-black surface give this necklace a scintillating flare. They provide a sleek frame for the colorful nuggets and together they create a delightful earthy character. This choker necklace comes with a lobster hook and eye for an easy wear. This fine piece of beaded Hematite jewelry is 16-1/2" long.

Hematite is an important ore of iron and it's blood red rusty color (in the powdered form) lends itself well in use as a pigment. The hardened mineral form is deep steely gray or black and can be carved and polished easily. Hematite gets its name from the Greek word "haima" meaning blood. It was named for the blood red color of its powder and ancient superstition held that large deposits of hematite grew on fresh battlefields where the blood of the wounded and slain seeped into the ground and mixed together within the earth. Hematite's association with battle was probably responsible for its strong connection to Mars, the Roman God of war. Warriors in Ancient Rome used Hematite as protection during battle believing that the mineral would provide a measure of invincibility while fighting. Astonishingly, hematite was found in great quantities on the red planet Mars by the Nasa rovers, strengthening the Roman's connection between Hematite, their god of war, and his namesake. Besides Mars, Hematite can be found around the world in areas rich with iron ore.