THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Hemalyke
A manufactured hematite-look material marketed under a trade name.
Colors & patterns
Metallic dark gray to near-black with a bright polish.
Typical origins
Manufactured rather than mined; production origin depends on the supplier.
Hardness
Supplier-dependent
Choosing & setting this material
Its weight and mirror-like finish suit bold accents. Some products are magnetic; confirm the exact product specifications rather than assuming it is natural hematite.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments