Hematite Genuine is ground from a heavy silvery-black mineral rich in iron.
In a thick wash, the heavier particles settle, creating bold granulation. In a thin wash, it is a soft dove gray.
When you paint, you can almost feel the pounding of the battle drums as ancient warriors covered their bodies with Hematite (or Bloodstone as the ancient Greek called it) in the belief that they would be protected from mortal wounds. According to lore ad superstition, large surface deposits of Hematite mark the site of hard fought battles, where the blood of fallen soldiers flowed into the ground.