Hematite is a semi-precious iron oxide found throughout the world. It is often found at the bottoms of springs, lakes, or other standing water deposits, or at the sites of volcanic activity. Many of the stones used for beads and jewelry are slightly magnetized. Historic uses for hematite included as a tint in cave paintings and as mourning jewelry in Victorian era England. These 6mm beads are smooth, round, and come in a reflective dark gray or black.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.