The gemstone
Bloodstone is the modern March birthstone. Bloodstone is 6.5 - 7
on the Mohs scale of hardness. Bloodstone is mined in India,
Australia, and the United States.
This attractive chalcedony, microcrystalline, quartz is also
known as Heliotrope because in ancient times polished stones
were described as reflecting the sun: perhaps the appearance of
the gem reminded the ancients of the red setting sun reflected
in the ocean. Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve
scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, leading it to also be
dubbed the martyr's stone. A beautiful example of carved
Bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be
seen at the Louvre museum in Paris. Even today, finely powdered
bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.
Perhaps that explains why today it is difficult to find fine
specimens of Bloodstone on the market.
Click here for a picture in natural form (red jasper).
Click here for more Chalcedony specimens.
Click here for more Jasper specimens.
Description:
Bloodstone is a green jasper dotted with bright red spots of
iron oxide. The legend of the origin of bloodstone says that it
was first formed when some drops of Christ's blood fell and
stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.
Chemistry:
Bloodstone is a variety of Quartz, SiO2, Silicon
Dioxide. A Green Chalcedony with red spots (the green due to
chlorite, the red due to ferric iron).
Legends, Myths and Healing
Properties:
The legend goes that this stone trapped the blood of Christ as
it fell (the legend also speaks of St. Stephen's blood, hence
the name, St. Stephen's Stone). Therefore its healing qualities
are often associated with stemming hemorrhages and nose bleeds.
Thought to heal blood diseases and "purify" the blood. Women
wore bloodstone to prevent miscarriage and hemorrhaging during
childbirth. The redder varieties are thought lucky for soldiers
going into battle, thought to instill courage, strength and
power to the wearer. Hence it is considered a beneficial stone
to athletes. The greener varieties are associated with money and
wealth. It is said a bloodstone in the cash drawer of any
business, will draw a steady flow of money. A pendant is said to
attract wealth to it's wearer. It has been used magically to
become invisible--or at least not attract attention. This was
achieved by rubbing the gemstone with crushed Heliotrope
flowers, then carrying or wearing the gem. |
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