The name hematite is from the Greek word “haimatitis” which means “blood-red.” That name stems from the color of hematite when it has been crushed to a fine powder. Primitive people discovered that hematite could be crushed and mixed with a liquid for use as a paint or cosmetic. Cave paintings, known as “pictographs,” dating back to 40,000 years ago were created with hematite pigments.

Hematite continues to be one of the most important pigment minerals. It has been mined at many locations around the world and has been traded extensively as a red pigment. During the Renaissance when many painters began using oils and canvas, hematite was one of the most important pigments. Hematite color was opaque and permanent. It could be mixed with a white pigment to produce a variety of pink colors that were used to paint flesh.