10 interesting Bloodstone facts
- The red inclusions in this stone are supposed to resemble spots of blood; hence the name "bloodstone".
- Bloodstone is a variety of dark green chalcedony spotted with red is also known as Heliotrope.
- The "classic" bloodstone is green chalcedony with red inclusions of iron oxide or red jasper. Sometimes the inclusions are yellow, in which case the mineral is given the name plasma.
- Bloodstone was once used as an amulet in the belief that it could stop bleeding. It was also said to be able to turn the sun red and to make thunder and lightning occur. It was supposed to give the wearer clairvoyance while preserving his faculties and health.
- The name "heliotrope" (from Greek helios, Sun, trepein, to turn) derives from various ancient notions about the manner in which the mineral reflects light.
- Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, causing bloodstone to be also called martyr's stone. One legend of the origin of bloodstone says that it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper found at the foot of the cross.
- The primary source of the stone is India. It is also found in Brazil, China, Australia and the United States.
- Bloodstone was well known to Aztecs which used it to regulate the bloodflow.
- Even today, finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.
- Bloodstone is the original birthstone for March. Today, bloodstone, jasper and aquamarine are all considered the gemstones for March.
