Origin: Worldwide
Mineral Species: Siderite
Mineral Group: Carbonates
Chemical Formula: FeCO3
Hardness: 3.5-45
Crystal System: Trigonal
Colour: Brown, yellow, tan, green, red, black and rarely, colourless
Typical Appearance: Rhombohedral, often curved or scalenohedral, and cleaves into a rhombohedral shape, so can be easily confused with calcite. Also forms massively, botryoidally, as encrustations, and platy crystal clusters that can resemble a desert rose.
Birthstone: Secondary birthstone for Aquarius
Chakra Alignment: Root and Sacral
Element: Earth and Fire
Origin of Name & Mythology: Named in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger from the Greek sideros, meaning "iron", in allusion to its composition.
Like most carbonates, siderite is cleansing. This is especially true for the lower chakras, but it will affect all. It fills the body with a warm, golden glow, and brings the energy body (chakras, meridians, and subtle bodies) into alignment (a quality also mentioned by Melody).
Although not a major mood lifter, siderite brings positivity and a sense of contentment with what one has in life. It is not a powerhouse – its energy is subtle, while its gentle presence brings support and solidity. It is lightly grounding, leaving the user feeling fully present and in the physical without being nailed to the floor. Siderite calms the mind and centres awareness, thereby aiding meditation. It can improve sleep patterns and is useful in the treatment of anaemia.
