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The Magic of Rocks and Stones

Bloodstone

Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean Martin

Bloodstone is also known as Heliotrope.  The name Heliotrope is derived from the Greek words meaning "sun" and "turning" because of a notion that when the stone is immersed in water it would turn the sun red.  Polished stones were escribed as reflecting the sun.  The more common name of Bloodstone was derived by the stone's appearance; usually a very dark green with splotches or veins of red resembling droplets of blood. 

Bloodstone, sometimes called Blood Jasper in the trade, is not quite a jasper but rather a dark green Chalcedony which is a cryptochrystalline variety of Quartz, and which contains inclusions of red to brown.  Although the color is not consistent, the red spots are caused by iron oxide and the green color is from chlorite particles or Hornblende needles.  Bloodstone is primarily found and mined in India, Australia, United States, Germany, Scotland, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, and Russia.  

Chalcedony is the variety name given to fine cryptocrystalline Quartz, of which Bloodstone is one.  In this variety, crystals are too small to be seen with the unaided eye or even with an ordinary microscope.  Instead, the crystallinity is determined with the use of an electron microscope.  Chalcedony occurs in almost any color or combination of colors.  Varieties include Agate (colored bands), Moss Agate (milky-white background with dendritic green or brown inclusions), Carnelian (orange to reddish brown), Sard (light to dark brown), Chrysoprase (apple green), Tiger's Eye (banded yellow-brown), Flint or Chert (white, dull gray, or black), Jasper (opaque red), and of course Bloodstone or Heliotrope (green with red flecks).  

Today, finely powdered Bloodstone is used as an aphrodisiac and medicine in India. 

General Information: 

*Chemistry:  SiO2, Silicon Dioxide. Chalcedony, a variety of Quartz with nodules of red iron oxide distributed throughout its mass. 

*Class:  Silicates.   

*Subclass:  Tectosilicates.  

*Group:  Quartz.  

*Color:  Opaque dark green with red to brownish spots or veins. 

*Luster:  Glassy to waxy. 

*Crystal System:  Hexagonal.  

*Crystal Habit:  Cryptocrystalline. Forms in massive formations. 

*Cleavage:  Absent. 

*Fracture:  Conchoidal. 

*Hardness:  6.5 - 7 

*Specific Gravity:  2.58 - 2.64 

*Streak:  White 

*Other Characteristics:  Highly sensitive to heat. 

*Notable Occurrences:  India, Australia, United States, Germany, Scotland. 

*Best Field Indicators:  Crystal habit, color and hardness. 

*Uses:  Mineral collection specimens, ornamental stone and sculpture. 

Myth & Lore: 

Believed to be a very magickal stone, in ancient times Bloodstone was thought to have the ability to stop hemorrhages by merely touching the stone.  Ancient warriors often carried a Bloodstone amulet which was intended to stop the bleeding when applied to a wound. 

In the Middle Ages, special powers were attributed to Bloodstone because it was believed to have been formed when some drops of Jesus' blood fell and stained some Jasper at the foot of the cross.  From that time on, this stone was used in sculptures representing flagellation and martyrdom, leading it to be dubbed "The Martyr's Stone."  Believed to have great healing powers, the stones were crushed into powder and mixed with honey and egg whites; a conconction believed to cure tumors and to stop bleeding.  Alchemists used Bloodstone to cure blood poisoning as well as draw out the poison from venomous snakebites.   

Engraved Bloodstone was used by the Babylonians in divination, and both they and the ancient Egyptians used it to magickally defeat enemies, usually by employing the stone's abilities to increase personal strength and yet make one "invisible" when they wanted attention focused strategically elsewhere.  The Leyden Papyrus declared that "The world has no greater thing than bloodstone," it opens all doors for its owner, breaks down the walls of prisons and averts many disasters.  Also known as a Mother Goddess stone, it is associated with images of Isis and Horus and the Black Madonna. 

Bloodstone is used in weather magick.  It can also be a good charm for athletes who require added strength.  It can be used to dispel bewilderment and clarify obscure thought, allowing you to recognize the beneficial aspects of "turmoil prior to perfection." 

Along with Aquamarine, Bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone. 

Metaphysical Properties: 

Astrological Sign(s): Pisces, Aries 

Root Chakra. 

"Stone of Courage" 

Increases physical strength. 

Centers and grounds. 

Healing. 

Calms anxieties. 

Invisibility. 

Guards against deception. 

Past life exploration. 

Increases self-esteem and self-appreciation. 

Promotes love of family. 

Enhances wealth. 

Legal matters and business. 

*Gives physical aid in treating: Blood disorders, anemia, and circulation. Detoxifying.  Strengthens immune system.   Relieves menstrual and menopausal symptoms.  Liver, kidneys, bone marrow and intestines.  Heart. 

*NOTE:  Stone therapy should NOT take the place of medical evaluation and procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's health and well-being. 

My own thoughts and experiences: 

Whenever in the company of Bloodstone, it is not unusual to feel a strong vital force; something which reaches into the far recesses of our ancestry, while at the same time piercing straight into your very own core.  Looking at the "bloodlines" or rich red spots on an otherwise deep field of dark earthy green, you can almost feel the stone pulsate with the life force inherent in us all. 

Although another excellent healing and grounding stone, I have three names for Bloodstone... "the Rock of Ages"... "the Now & Then" stone... and "the Motivator"... all of which I feel tap into this stone's more emphatic qualities.  In regard to the first, this stone can help you reconnect with your ancestral line and the Ancients.  For the second, it can simultaneously connect your present thoughts or feelings (your Now) to those who came before you (their Then),

integrating the two so that you come to know no space and time between you and the Ancestors.  Here you may reach into the treasure chest of deep-seated knowledge and pull forth the necessary healing and/or proper judgments in answer to your questions.  As "the Motivator," Bloodstone possesses the uncanny ability to swiftly reach the root of an issue by bringing you abruptly to the core of whatever issue is in your Now; it enhances your perception of the "fight or flight" survival syndrome; and finally, it bestows whatever fire, courage or resolve is needed to move you into beneficial action. 

It is a beneficent Mother Dragon of stones.  Listen closely and let her take you on the journey through time.  But be prepared to visit the intense realms of both Fire and Earth. 

End.

Sources: 

"The Crystal Bible" ~ Judy Hall 

"Love Is In the Earth" ~ Melody 

"Rocks & Minerals" ~ Discovery Publications 

http://www.themysticeye.com/info/bloodstone.htm 

http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go340/gb.htm 

© Patricia Martin 2006 

Website:  http://www.peacefulpaths.com/