Hematite is an iron ore that occurs, among others, in the shape of kidney ore, i.e. accumulated kidney-shaped nodules that develop in cavities. Deposits are found worldwide, with the largest being in Brazil, China and Australia. The stone owes its name to the fact that the water used as a coolant when hematite is being cut gets blood-red (“haima” means “blood” in Greek). Nowadays, hematite is often used in reconstructed form, i.e. created from sintered (pulverized and then shaped by high pressure and temperature) iron oxide of the same chemical formula as hematite (Fe²O³). This processed stone is referred to as hematine. BERND WOLF uses both natural hematite and reconstructed hematine. The stone is said to have a hemostatic effect. It is believed to strengthen the heart, and to instill courage as well as energy. This is why it was given to soldiers who were going into battle.