“Nail-head” Hematite (nail-head appearance, surface with rounded “nail heads”, nipple-like, convex above and concave below, glossy reddish-brown)

【Naming】

Hematite

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Lower Grade

 【Frequency of Use】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

An ore of a type of hematite.

 【Characteristics】

Mostly in irregular lumps, varying in shape, with a few to many circular nail heads on the surface, like nipples (convex above and concave below), arranged in a disordered manner; color from purplish-red to purplish-black, sometimes with a metallic luster, but mostly dark, with light-colored stone grains; uneven fracture surface, with or without layering. Relatively hard, difficult to crush, if crushed, still layered, each layer also has nail heads. Hardness is 5.5~6.5; specific gravity 4.9~5.3. Streak is reddish-brown or cherry-red. Vinegar-treated Hematite: shaped like raw hematite, surface appears dark gray, brittle, slightly acetic.

 【Processing】

1. Vinegar-Hematite 2. Water-grind into fine powder.

 【Identification】

《Ming Yi Bie Lu》: “Hematite grows in Qi State, red and cyan, like a cockscomb with luster, good if it does not change color when dyeing nails 甲.” 《Zheng Lei Ben Cao》: “Best are those with nail heads, glossy, solid, and purplish-red”, “Best are those that come from caves in southern soil, congealed like stone”, “The best is when the surface has nail head-like bubbles.” 《Zheng Lei Ben Cao》: “Red and cyan, like a cockscomb with luster, good if it does not change color when dyeing nails 甲.” 《Ben Cao Cheng Ya Ban Ge》: “Guanzi said: The northwest is the best.” 《Ben Cao Xin Bian Shi》: “Although Hematite can revolve rebellious Qi, it cannot succeed without the assistance of Inula; the two flavors must be used together for best results.” 《Ben Cao Qiu Zhen》: “Authentic if it has milky holes when broken.” 《Liang Lie Jian Bie》: “Superior grade is the purple-red with luster, hard texture, large lumps on the outside, and breaks into large pieces, called “Nail-head Hematite”.”
It is best to have red color, be loose and brittle, have layers and protruding nail heads, and large and numerous protruding heads. Called “Nail-head Hematite“. Those with few or small nails are of secondary quality. Those without nails are generally not used as medicine. Some say that the authentic product is red hematite that remains red after calcination; if it turns black after calcination, it is a counterfeit product and not used as medicine.

 【Identification Terminology】

Nail head: refers to the numerous nipple-like protrusions on the surface of Hematite.

 【Category】

Minerals