Hematite Fiber Optic Bead Choker Necklace.

This necklace is gorgeous. This highly fashionable piece of hand strung jewelry features brilliant beads of genuine Hematite. Blue fiber optic beads have been included in an alternating pattern creating a vibrant character. The shining gray shades of the Hematite perfectly compliment the blue fiber optic beads. These beads have been strung on a strong elastic band for a flexible and comfortable fit. This choker necklace is 16" 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 in the United States, Alaska, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and more.