[Jewelry making - Article 00593] - Re: [Orchid] Magnetic Hematite Beads

[Karen Bahr]

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Hello Peter

    Here is a more informational write-up about Hematite and simulants.
    	A short story about simulated Hematite 

    Nearly ALL commercially available "hematite" beads are a simulated
    material virtually identical to real hematite. The simulated
    material is	much easier to produce in detailed shapes, and looks and
    feels like the real material. "Hematine" and "Hemalike" are names
    you may see used for this product. If you look closely at the hole in
    a molded bead of simulated hematite you will often see a smoothly
    curved hole rather than the slightly chipped and sharply defined edge
    of a true drill hole. The holes are usually molded into the simulated
    product. Both genuine and simulated Hematite are Iron Oxide. True
    hematite leaves a red streak when scratched across a piece of
    unglazed porcelain. The simulated products usually leave a gray
    streak. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones says
    "Despite its modest value, it has been imitated by a ferromagnetic,
    sintered product, molded to look like engraved stones." The bottom
    line: Even though a few vendors still say their hematite style beads
    are a natural material, we believe most mass produced hematite beads
    are the simulated product. The simulated material and the genuine are
    so similar in look and feel that vendors may not question their
    suppliers and may inadvertently mislead the customer. 


Karen Bahr   "the Rocklady"  (rocklady AT nucleus.com)
K.I.S. Creations
May your gems always sparkle.



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