Hematite Block

3D Model

Hematite is a heavy iron-rich mineral that can range in color from red to brown to metallic gray to black. The most common hematite artifacts at Poverty Point are plummets, which are teardrop-shaped objects, many of which were perforated or grooved for suspension. They may have served as bolas, net weights, and/or loom weights. Other objects, like atlatl weights and geometric forms (bars, cubes, and spheres), are less common. American Indians may have used powdered hematite, or ochre, as a red pigment in paint.