Bloodstone
{ Also Known As Heliotrope }
I have never found a bloodstone in my rockhounding . . .  though I
have found lots of Jasper.  My sister Rita gave this one to me . . .

An intense healing stone and a "stone of courage".
Provides one with the centering and grounding energy of the heart.
Conducive to balancing the total body.
Provides for the revitalization of love, relationships and friendship.
Place this stone in the part of your garden that is old, with seasoned plant,
they will feel your love such like the day you planted them.

Bloodstone, green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, was treasured
in ancient times and served for a long time as the birthstone for March. This attractive
chalcedony 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, mirrored in the ocean.

Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs,
for which reason it was also dubbed the martyr's stone. According to the legend about the
origin of bloodstone, it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some
jasper at the foot of the cross. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone with the seal of the
German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre in Paris.

Even today, finely pulverised bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.
Perhaps that explains why it is now rather difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone
on the market. Bloodstone is mined in India, Australia, and the United States.

The name heliotrope is derived from Greek and mean "turning the sun".  
The ancient Greeks thought of heliotrope as the connecting stone between the gods,
men and the earth.  

The Egyptians believed it to be a powerful protective stone.  Hildegard von Bingen
further shrouded it in mystery with the legend that its red "drops" were the blood of Christ.  
As a result, the heliotrope became the holy protective stone of the crusaders.  
It is also called bloodstone.

Healing Uses: The stone is used to combat bladder inflammation,
in which case it should be applied for 20 minutes.  
It is also an excellent stone for the heart, alleviating pain while regulating
arrhythmia and disturbed circulation of the coronary vessels.  
It cleanses and fortifies blood-carrying organs such as the liver,
kidneys, heart, lungs, and spleen.  Useful for eyesight.  
It is also reputed to be a good stone
for pregnant women.  
Psychologically it protects against nightmares and promotes
concentration during the day.

Heliotrope symbolizes sympathy and humility.  The ancient
Greeks saw its green color as the symbol of the Earth.  
The stone works best on the heart chakra and the root chakra.
Is not associated
with any particular star sign.  

Heliotrope MUST NOT be used as a rough stone.  
Cleanse:  Under warm running water after each use, then
recharged among rock crystals.

The most beautiful pieces are found in India and China, but it
is also found in Australia, Brazil, and the US.   ( Wyoming )
Colors vary from opaque dark green with pink, orange, and
red spots, stripes, or fields.


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Bloodstone