Gemstones Beginning with "H"

Hawk's Eye is a blue-gray to blue-green variety of tiger's eye. See Tiger's Eye for more information.

Hematite is a member of the zoisite species, named for the Greek word for blood. It is an iron ore composed of iron oxide. When cut into very think plates, it is red and transparent (thus the name); when polished, it is a shiny and metallic dark black-gray. An imitation of hematite is marketed under the trade name hematine. "Magnetic hematite" is actually the imitation -- real hematite is never magnetic. Hematite deposits can be found in England, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Minnesota and Italy. Hematite is said to cleanse the blood and support circulation; to warm and energize the system, giving a sense of strength; and to open the mind to more sensitive perception of the spirit world. Mohs' hardness: 5-1/2 to 6-1/2.

Hessonite is a brown-red variety of grossular garnet. It is also known as cinnamon stone. Deposits can be found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Canada, Madagascar, Tanzania and the United States. See Garnet for more information.

Howlite is an opaque, naturally white mineral, often with dark gray or black spider-like veins. Because it is inexpensive and very soft and porous, it is often dyed to imitate more expensive gemstones such as turquoise and lapis lazuli. Deposits can be found throughout North America. Howlite is said to encourage reasoning, observation, discernment, patience and tact; to eliminate pain, stress and anger; and to help balance calcium levels in the body. Mohs' hardness: 3 to 3-1/2.

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