Iridescent hematite, also called rainbow hematite, displays a variety of beautiful interference colors. Usually, a thin film composed of aluminum and phosphate was found to coat such hematite, although one example of a coating with aluminum and arsenate was discovered. The thin films that range from tens to hundreds of nanometers thick are believed to cause the color.
Hematite specimens that frequently display iridescence are described as Rainbow Hematite & Turgite. Turgite was coined by German mineralogist Rudolph Hermann in 1844 to describe iron hydroxide specimens found near the Turginsk River in the Ural Mountains. Turgite was discredited as a distinct mineral name in the 1920s, however, the term has been retained by the mineral collecting & gem community as a catch-all term for naturally iridescent iron hydroxide minerals.
According to legend, Hematite was considered a powerful talisman for warriors in the north of England because it was believed to preserve the blood or life essence of a fallen soldier wounded in battle.
Iridescent Hematite is known as a grounding & protective stone that energizes, increasing vitality. It may promote optimism, determination, courage, self-esteem & willpower. It may provide assistance with focus to strive for improvement in the quest for desired outcomes & satisfactions.
