Hematite Talisman MTG Card


Hematite Talisman - Ice Age
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set nameIce Age
Set codeICE
Number320
Frame1993
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byAllen Williams

Key Takeaways

  1. Hematite Talisman cycles cards and accelerates mana, key for gaining an edge in gameplay.
  2. Requires specific mana and can be costly, which affects deck building and pacing.
  3. Its versatility and combo potential make it an impactful addition in competitive play.

Text of card

o3: Untap target permanent. Use this ability only when a red spell is successfully cast and only once for each red spell cast.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hematite Talisman offers repeatable loot effects, allowing you to cycle through your deck and ensure that you have the optimal cards in hand to face any challenge on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: This talisman potentially ramps up your mana resources each turn, providing that much-needed edge to cast high-impact spells earlier than your opponents can deal with them.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Hematite Talisman at instant speed gives you the flexibility to adapt to dynamic game states, making strategic decisions on the fly without compromising your main phase actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players considering Hematite Talisman, it’s crucial to note that discarding cards can be detrimental when your hand is already diminished. This requirement can hinder your game, particularly in tight situations where each card in hand could pivot the game’s outcome.

Specific Mana Cost: This talisman demands a specific mana color input, which could lead to difficulties in mana base construction. Players looking to incorporate this card will have to ensure their land and mana sources consistently provide the necessary colors, which may not always align with the deck’s optimal game plan.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Hematite Talisman brings with it a mana cost that may not align with its perceived value. With a myriad of options available across various expansions, players might find that other cards offer more bang for their buck. This steep cost can potentially slow down the deck’s pace, leaving the player at a disadvantage against decks that capitalize on more cost-efficient strategies.


Reasons to Include Hematite Talisman in Your Collection

Versatility: Hematite Talisman boasts a unique capability to seamlessly integrate into various deck builds. Its power lies in the ability to adapt to different game situations, providing strategic advantage when you need it most.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other pieces, unlocking powerful combinations that can tilt the game in your favor. Whether it’s activating abilities or synergizing with other cards, Hematite Talisman adds depth to your gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting competitive landscape, Hematite Talisman remains a trending addition, offering a tactical edge against prevalent deck types. Staying one step ahead in the meta-game can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.


How to beat

Hematite Talisman is a unique artifact card in Magic: The Gathering that can prove to be quite a challenge during gameplay. This card allows players to get an edge by filtering the top of their library, potentially smoothing out draws. To effectively counteract Hematite Talisman’s ability, disrupting the player’s top deck is key. One strategy involves using cards that force shuffles, such as Fabled Passage or Evolving Wilds, which can help disrupt the careful setup created by Hematite Talisman.

Players may also consider incorporating instant-speed removal or counterspells into their decks. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant can target and remove Hematite Talisman swiftly, minimizing the advantage it provides. Counter spells prevent Hematite Talisman from hitting the field altogether, which can be crucial. It’s important to be mindful of timing and wait for the opportune moment to play these disruptive cards, staying one step ahead of your opponent.

In the game of Magic: The Gathering, staying adaptable and aware of your opponent’s artifacts can make all the difference. Tools like Hematite Talisman can turn the tide of a match, so being prepared with answers is essential for maintaining control and ultimately securing victory.


Cards like Hematite Talisman

In the realm of artifact utility, Hematite Talisman stands out with its distinct ability to provide a mana boost upon casting red spells. It draws a parallel to its counterpart, Emerald Talisman, which offers a similar benefit for green spells. Both talismans give players a reusable source of mana, but Hematite Talisman aligns more closely with decks emphasizing red spells and strategies.

Diving deeper into comparisons, Fire Diamond is another artifact that comes to mind. It taps for red mana, yet unlike Hematite Talisman, Fire Diamond doesn’t require casting a spell to activate its mana ability, providing a consistent mana source. However, Hematite Talisman has an edge in decks that cast multiple red spells each turn, potentially generating more mana over time. Ruby Medallion also serves as a comparison, reducing the cost of red spells rather than providing additional mana, fundamentally favoring players who opt for efficiency over long-term mana production.

The Hematite Talisman has established its niche, giving red-centric players an opportunity to ramp up their mana in accordance with their spell-slinging tactics—a valuable tool in matches where pace and resource acceleration are keys to victory.

Fire Diamond - MTG Card versions
Ruby Medallion - MTG Card versions
Fire Diamond - Mirage (MIR)
Ruby Medallion - Tempest (TMP)

Cards similar to Hematite Talisman by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Jandor's Saddlebags - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Mask of Intolerance - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Winter Orb - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Ankh of Mishra - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Jandor's Saddlebags - Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
Amulet of Kroog - Renaissance (REN)
Nacre Talisman - Ice Age (ICE)
Howling Mine - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Essence Bottle - Tempest (TMP)
Emerald Medallion - Commander Anthology (CMA)
Scrying Glass - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Cursed Totem - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Mask of Intolerance - Apocalypse (APC)
Tsabo's Web - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)
Millikin - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Swiftfoot Boots - The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts (BRR)
Ark of Blight - Scourge (SCG)
Surestrike Trident - Darksteel (DST)
Demon's Horn - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Angel's Feather - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Energy Chamber - Fifth Dawn (5DN)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hematite Talisman MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Hematite Talisman and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hematite Talisman has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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