Marbodus.
The Haematite obtains its name from the Greek HAIMATITES, blood-like. It is a specular iron ore of reddish, brown, steely gray, and iron black colours. Commercially it is spelt Hematite, though it is also written as Ematite, Emathites, Emathitis.
Sotacus, described by Pliny as one of the most ancient writers, classified five varieties of haematite, as follows:
1. Ethiopic, which he said was a remedy for burns and inflamed eyes. It is probable that this is the Ethiopian Stone, a hard species of flint. (See under FLINT.)
2. Androdamus, or Conquerer of Man, which is given as a remedy for bilious attacks. This stone is described by Sotacus as “very black and heavy,” and by Marbodus as “silvery white with the hardness of a diamond.” It would seem that each writer is describing a different stone. Sotacus’ description would imply a species of iron stone, that of Marbodus may stand for a corundum or even a diamond, and man may be subdued by either the iron stone or the diamond.
3. Arabian, recommended for stomach troubles and burns.
4. Elatite, or when burned Melitite.
5. Mixed stone for eye troubles.
The varieties given by Professor James D. Dana are:
1. Specular Iron. Lustre perfectly metallic.