Hematite

Hematite is one of those stones that one considers a "must have", either alone or in combination with other crystals as included crystal

When hematite is combined with quartz or amethyst (which is a quartz) it works in synergy amplifiying each others ability so a little goes a long way

This stone is known by crystal healers for balancing the "ying and yang", balancing meridians and assisting in creating equilibrium between the etheric and the physical

At a more methaphysical level this stone supports overcoming self limitation, dissolves negativity transmutting it into usable "pure" energy and sharpens the mind

Today there are many people producing synthetic hematite, personally I prefer the real thing. There is a balance in the natural stones lacking in the manufactured ones but it is a matter of personal taste