“What we found is the only hematite mine, a type of iron also known as ochre, recorded in South America prior to the Spanish conquest. This discovery demonstrates that iron ores were important to ancient Andean civilizations.”
SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080129125405.htm
“Hematite derives its name from the Greek word haimatites, meaning “bloodlike,” an allusion to the vivid red color of the powdered stone. The red powdered hematite, ochre (also spelled ocher), is used as a pigment with many uses presently and throughout history. Red ochre was used by prehistoric artists in their cave paintings. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in religious ceremonies, and as an inscription stone for passages in the Book of the Dead. Native Americans also used ochre as red face paint. Currently, powdered hematite is used in lapidary as a rouge polish and as a pigment in paints and crayons.”
SOURCE: http://www.mamasminerals.com/latestissue.html
Wanna start a new thread? ;-)