Hematite & Optic Bead 3-Strand Choker Necklace.

This Hematite Bead Choker is a brilliant piece of hand strung jewelry. These Hematite and fiber optic beads have been strung in an alternating pattern for a fashionable and eye-catching design. The Hematite beads are carved into cylinders and spheres giving this necklace a scintillating flare. They contrast nicely with the sky-blue fiber optic beads and the three-tiered strands repeat the design with graceful continuity. This choker necklace comes with a lobster hook and eye for an easy wear. This fine piece of beaded Hematite jewelry is about 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 around the world in areas rich with iron ore.