In ancient times, bloodstone was called heliotrope, which roughly translates from Greek to sun-turning. It was named as such because it turned blood red in the setting sun. It was believed that the first bloodstone was formed when Christs blood dripped at the foot of the cross, staining jasper that turned into bloodstone.
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Another version of bloodstone is called plasma. Compared to the heliotrope version, it is an opaque, deep green with little to no red.
Bloodstone is a type of chalcedony. The amount of chlorite particles affects how green the stone is. The red spotswhich resemble bloodcome from iron oxide. Gemstones can have a luster that is glassy or waxy.
This stone can be found around the world, in places such as India, the United States, Germany, Australia, and more.
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What do you call a forest green gemstone cloaked in blood-like splashes of crimson? Bloodstone! Flowing from groundwater veins in the earths silica cavities, the gem is bloody beautiful and steeped in an unusual history. Its no coincidence that the gemstones crimson-soaked appearance symbolizes human blood, but what exactly is a bloodstone?
Before we get too deep into the blood metaphors, lets identify this captivating gem.
If youve ever seen a jasper, you mightve mistaken it for a bloodstone if it werent for those vivid splashes of blood-red spots. So, what does it mean, and how do we use it today?
In Biblical mythology, bloodstone was born when Jesus blood drops fell onto a jasper gemstone at the foot of the cross.
Also called a heliotrope, the stone itself is carved from the legends of ancient folklore and mystical tales. Fact is, this magical gem is old as civilization, and it has kept a foothold in society throughout the evolution of humankind.
Most famously beloved as the March birthstone, theres more to learn about this gemstone than its birth month association.
With its unusual history and religious associations, bloodstone remains popular and in demand.
Today, were rounding up all the crucial bloodstone information, including its symbolism, history, properties, and uses. Whether you favor wearing the jewel, using it in chakra meditation, incorporating it into purification practices, or using it as an aphrodisiac, this gem has many meanings and uses.
Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about bloodstone crystal meaning and uses.
Bloodstone is a chalcedony gemstone variety from the quartz family. It shares a microcrystalline structure akin to agate, jasper, and onyx. Often referred to as a heliotrope, bloodstone is a plasma variety in opaque, deep green shades.
You may also encounter the stone advertised under the following nicknames:
Heliotrope: While some argue that a heliotrope differs from a bloodstone, the terms are used synonymously in the gemstone and jewelry industries.
Blood Jasper: A spotted red-black variety with white veins
Oriental Jasper: Jasper advertised as oriental to make it seem more exotic.
Fancy Jasper: A variety with multiple colors outside of green and red, or varying color combinations.
Classic bloodstone is dark green with red inclusions. One glance at this green gem, and you cant help but associate its red dots with blood. Despite its blood-like pattern, the distinctive red notes are visible from iron oxides influence on the gems chemical composition.
A relatively soft stone, bloodstone ranks around seven on the Mohs hardness scale. Compared to hard gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, which rank at 10 and 9 for hardness, the trace quantities of mineral matter make it a softer gem. Amphibole, chlorite, and pyroxene inclusions also contribute to the gems unique color.
Speaking of which...
The most prestigious varieties have two distinct colors: dark green and crimson red. Like all gemstones, the patterns and coloration vary from stone to stone. But the universal factor is the presence of blood-red inclusions.
Still, some feature streaks and bands of many colors, including white, brown, yellow, and orange.
When one has dominant colors other than red, its called a fancy jasper. Thats because, in its basic form, opaque chalcedony gems are simply jasper. Its the blood-red spots that give bloodstone its distinction and unique name.
The most popular and treasured colors are a solid, opaque forest green base accentuated by bright, vivid blood-red spots. Together, the contrast evokes a splatter, paint-stroke pattern that looks like fallen blood droplets on a jasper stone.
In fact, its the stones color combination that ties into its rich folklore and meaning, which, as mentioned, traces back to antiquity.
Its the blood-like pattern connecting the stone to the Blood of Christ, and, of course, theres a great story to go with it! But more on that later. For now, lets look at the stones sources.
India is the primary source of mined, faceted, and gem-quality bloodstone. Other origins include Madagascar, China, Australia, and Brazil.
Did you know there are also deposits in the U.S.? The western states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada also have small deposits.
So, how does bloodstone form? When the temperature drops in the earths shallow groundwaters, water evaporates into the air, and bloodstone forms from silica in the earths cavities and cracks.
The formation process isnt unlike other quartz varieties, but its the interaction with various minerals that adds red to the gems forest green color.
Echoing its striking colors, lets explore the stones colorful symbolism and mythology.
As youve already noticed, this stone represents many things from the blood of Christ to purification to justice. Since ancient times, bloodstone has weaved a web of mysticism, folklore, and legend. But what does this fascinating gem represent?
Like many things, the meaning isnt linear, and different cultures and societies value it for unique reasons.
Called the purification stone for its cleansing properties, ancient peoples used it to ward off evil spirits. If we traveled back in time to ancient Mesopotamia, wed see prophetic intuits using bloodstone to foretell the future.
Throughout history, bloodstone crystal meaning has primarily symbolized courage and justice. People wore the stone to protect themselves from evil energies, and warriors used it as an amulet to prevent bleeding out on the battlefield.
Its no secret that bloodstone is a time-honored, sacred stone of protection, but how has it gained such a vigorous reputation?
In Ancient Greece and Rome, athletes wore this protective stone to boost endurance during sports. The month of March gets its name from the Roman god of war, Mars, so its no surprise that Bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone.
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Earlier, we alluded to the relationship between bloodstone and the blood of Christ.
During the Middle Ages, pious Christians wore bloodstone as a tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Because, as legend tells, as Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, his blood spilled on a jasper, turning the once green stone into a new, blood-spattered variety. The mythology surrounding Christs death gives it the nickname of martyrs stone.
Widely recognized as the stone of courage and justice, Bloodstone-carved trinkets and relics of crucifixions pay respect to Jesus Christs sacrifice.
Travel over to India, and bloodstone is crushed, ground, and sold as an aphrodisiac. This ancient talisman has evolved into the New Age to offer modern healing and purification as a healing crystal.
While aquamarine is the more famous March birthstone, bloodstone is the traditional choice still worn today.
So, weve examined bloodstones historic and modern meanings, but what about its uses?
Thanks to its enigmatic quality and striking color, bloodstone is most popularly used in jewelry and trinkets. Youll find beautiful cabochon beads, pendants, and necklaces, among other jewelry items.
Lapidaries showcase the stones color best by cutting its cabochon, a tumbling and polishing technique that rounds the rock into a smooth bead. The cabochon shape produces smooth, artful pieces like sculptures, bowls, home décor items, faceted gemstones.
Thousands of years ago, noblemen wore bloodstone signet rings to seal their surname, or family crest, on essential letters and documents. Despite its ancient roots, the practice fell out of fashion with most primitive traditions by the end of the middle ages.
Today, men and women alike wear bloodstone jewelry and not to stamp letters but as a fashion item.
But the earthy stone isnt exclusive to jewelry; lets explore more uses in further detail.
There are myriad reasons to use this purification stone, but it ultimately varies with personal preference. Some people amplify their spirituality with crystal healing, while others wear it as a protective talisman.
From physical healing to emotional balance and purification, bloodstone uses are as diverse as the stones mythology. Lets look at some of the most popular uses and how you can incorporate this dynamic stone into your life.
Adding to bloodstones protective properties, the stone has various health benefits. Primarily, it helps to heal blood disorders like anemia, nosebleeds, and circulation issues.
Physically, the stone preserves bone marrow while supporting the healthy functioning of the spleen, kidneys, and liver.
In ancient times, warriors used it to stop blood flow, and many people use it today for the same reasons. Its also believed to detoxify the blood and increase circulation and blood flow.
Bloodstone has helped women find relief from PMS, menopause, and pregnancy discomfort.
However, this ancient stones benefits arent exclusive to physical healing; its powers can offer holistic and spiritual healing, too.
One of the best ways to benefit from bloodstones properties is to wear it in jewelry or while meditating.
In early civilization, people used this mystical trinket to ward off the evil eye. After thousands of years of practical use and experimentation, weve learned that this energetic amulet vibrates healing energies that elevate ones frequency.
Crystal healing practitioners use it for mental clarity, self-esteem, and creative stimulation. Emotionally, bloodstone alleviates anxiety and negative thoughts.
In Chakra healing, it promotes life energy and force (Qi in Chinese healing) and Prana in Hindu philosophy and medicine) to the Root Chakra. Located at the base of the spine, this low Chakra is the source of grounding, balance, and vitality. Also, it helps to harmonize and realign the lower chakras!
Beyond the dynamic healing benefits, bloodstone is a lovely gemstone, making it an excellent choice for jewelry designs.
We mentioned that most bloodstone is polished in the cabochon style to best display its striking colors. Unlike translucent gems cut to emit the most brilliance and sparkle, the light and opacity look best when smoothed and polished.
The most popular cuts are round, pear, and opal because these smooth, lineless shapes pair beautifully in jewelry.
Why? For two reasons:
It's a stylish accessory that evokes an earthy aesthetic.
You can carry the stones healing properties with you on the go!
Necklace pendants, earrings, and beaded bracelets are excellent choices for bloodstone. In menswear, bloodstone cufflinks make for a sophisticated, bohemian look.
Weve gone into great detail about the qualities of this ancient jewel, but before you go, lets wrap up what weve learned.
We mentioned two features of the gem that are vital to ongoing care and maintenance. First, the stone is relatively soft, but its hard enough for daily wear because it doesnt have any cleavage. Thanks to its cabochon cut, theres nowhere for the stone to actively shatter or break because of its smooth lines.
To care for bloodstone, gently wash it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Take care not to submerge the stone into water, but to dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a chemical-free cleaner. If the stone is fragile, its safest to bring it to a professional jeweler for a cleaning.
Routine maintenance and washing will enhance the longevity and quality of your stones so theyll last a lifetime.
Of course, a hard blow or impact can cause the stone to chip or shatter, which is why its important to ensure the beads are encased in protective metal settings.
Many gemstones are ancient, but few have such historical prestige, thanks to bloodstones ties to the blood of Christ. Beyond history and mythology, bloodstone prevails as a beloved gem that unifies borders, cultures, and traditions.
Wrapped inside its quartz structure is a realm of mysticism and intrigue offering modern healing and spirituality. Bloodstones meaning and uses are as varied as civilization itself, making it a universal trinket adored by people worldwide.
Through the eye of a bloodstone, we can see the evolution of humankind from the signet rings of ancient noblemen to the intricate carvings of the dark ages to modern healing crystals and stylish jewelry.
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