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Bloodstone

Introduction
 

	Bloodstone, a variety of green Jasper dotted with bright red spots of Hematite, was treasured in ancient times and once served as the birthstone for March. Bloodstone is now the recognized Zodiac gem for those born under the star sign Aries.
	Bloodstone belongs to the Chalcedony family and is a form of microcrystalline quartz. Also known as “Heliotrope”, this name is derived from the Greek words “Helios” meaning sun and “Tropos” meaning turn. The origin of this name is a Greek legend that held that Heliotrope reflected the sun in the Earth as blood red.

Medieval Christians often used Bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs. As a result, it is also known as the “Martyrs Stone”. Some sources even suggest that it was worn by early Christians as a symbol of their faith. The Christian legend of the origin of Bloodstone says that it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained Jasper at the foot of the cross during his crucifixion. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre museum in Paris.
 

Finely powdered Bloodstone was and continues to be used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Perhaps this explains why it can be difficult to find good examples of Bloodstone.
 

Bloodstone is believed by some crystals healers to be a “Turn Over Stone”. Described as a powerful energy mover, it is believed capable of sweeping away mental blocks, allowing one to move forward.
 

Bloodstone is also regarded by some as a “Hero’s Gemstone”, capable of instilling courage in dangerous situations and providing protection from ones own dangerous desires.
 

Bloodstone is also attributed with the ability to revitalize love, relationships and friendships, by helping us to let go of selfish behavior, thereby renewing an idealistic outlook on life. Bloodstone is also believed by some to enhance ones natural abilities, talent and creativity.
 

There are two types of Bloodstone, Plasma and Heliotrope. Plasma is a very deep opaque green with very little or no red color and yellowish spots. Heliotrope is lighter colored, somewhat translucent and has the characteristic red spots.
 

Bloodstone is a popular gemstone that is usually cut as cabochons. It is also used for beads, as a seal-stone (with an engraved device), for men’s signet rings, cameos and decorative carvings. Interestingly, if Bloodstone is heated its green base turns to grey and its red spots change to black.
 

The main source of Bloodstone is the Kathiawar Peninsula, Gujarat, India. It is also found in Russia, Germany, Austria, Australia, China, Brazil, Italy, Czech Republic and U.S.A.