March Birthstone Bloodstone
Heliotrope or Martyr's Stone Flecked with Blood of Jesus Christ
Apr 15, 2009
Bloodstone, known as heliotrope to the ancient Greeks, is a semi-precious stone linked to blood, healing, and the sun. It is said to enhance wisdom, healing, and to connect the past, present and future to lend insight into the ancestors and the inner self. Bloodstone is symbolic of the crucifixion of Christ and of the Christian martyrs.
Blood-Flecked Bloodstone
Bloodstone is dark green chalcedony scattered with inclusions of red jasper or iron oxide. In chemical composition, it is partly quartz, and it's physical properties are similar to quartz crystal.
Bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but it must be handled with care to prevent scratches and blemishes to the stone. Water can damage bloodstone's polished surface.
Bloodstone or Heliotrope in Myth and History
Bloodstone is also known as "heliotrope," Greek for "sun" and "turning." The stone was prized by the ancient Greeks for the way it reflects and mirrors light, and was often carried by soldiers and warriors who believed the stone would stop bleeding if they were wounded.
In Christian mythology, bloodstone is said to have originated when Jesus' blood spilled on green stones at the base of the cross. Bloodstone was widely used in the Medieval era in artwork depicting the crucifixion and martyrs, giving it another name: martyr's stone.
Bloodstone is considered a medicinal mineral and an aphrodisiac in India, where it is often sold ground into a fine powder.
Magical Significance and Powers of Bloodstone
Like most gemstones, bloodstone has been attributed with a long list of healing and magical powers. Heliotrope is said to:
- guard against deception
- lend invisibility against those who might harm
- increase endurance and physical strength
- help in business and legal affairs
- stop hemorrhaging
- heal tumors
- cleanse the blood of poison
- boost self-esteem and love of family
- act as an aphrodisiac
- be grounding and calming
- integrate past, present and future and connect with the ancestors
Bloodstone shares is the birthstone with March, along with aquamarine.
Heliotrope Gemstone in Jewelry
Bloodstone is not often seen in jewelry, being found more often in loose tumbled stones meant to be used in healing and meditation. In jewelry, heliotrope is usually worn in the form of pendants, beaded necklaces, and men's rings where its heavy, dark colors lend emphasis and character.
Bloodstone is mined in India, Brazil, China, Australia, the U.S., Germany, Scotland, Czech Republic, and Russia.
Reference
- Encyclopedia of Gemstones, "Gemstones: Bloodstone," All-That-Gifts.com, 2005.
- International Colored Gemstone Association, "Bloodstone: the martyr's gem," Gemstone.org, 2009.
- Martin, Patricia Jean, "The Magic of Rocks and Stones: Bloodstone," Controverscial.com, 2006.
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