Banded Hematite & Jasper — Polished Teardrop

Silver-gray dominates this polished hematite and jasper from Ukraine. Curving reddish-brown bands trace the edges of darker gray areas, giving the surface a pattern reminiscent of a metallic droplet outlined in red-brown.

The teardrop form narrows at one end and rounds outward at the other. A metallic luster carries bright reflections along its curves, bringing the contrast between the gray areas and the bands into focus as the viewing angle changes.

For Joun, the appeal lies in the mingling of materials: a stone composed of more than one mineral feels especially true to nature. Polishing gives that mixed character a surface to be studied closely, rather than making uniformity the point.

Hematite is an iron oxide with a characteristic rust-red streak, even when its outward appearance is metallic gray. Here, its association with jasper makes the banded pattern central to the viewing experience.

View it under soft light, changing the angle to compare the silver-gray luster with the reddish-brown bands. Avoid washing with water, and keep out of reach of children.