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Gemstone Directory Bloodstone | Bloodstone |
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 Bloodstone is a variety of dark green chalcedony spotted with red markings. It is also known as heliotrope which comes from a combination of the Greek words for sun and turn because of various ancient notions about the manner in which bloodstone reflects light. When this mineral is placed in water in direct sunlight, the whole gemstone appears to be red.
Bloodstone was once used as an amulet in the belief that it could stop bleeding and it was also believed that it could turn the sun red and cause thunder and lightning. Bloodstone was also believed to give the wearer clairvoyance whilst preserving his faculties and health. The red spots in bloodstone were likened to the colour of blood hence it was an appropriate material for use in the early church for carved and engraved sacred objects. Medieval Christians often used it to carve scenes of the crucifixion. One legend of the origin of bloodstone says it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood dripped and stained some jasper which was laying at the foot of the cross. Bloodstone was also well known to the aztecs who used it to regulate blood flow. Even today finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Bloodstone is an intense healing stone and a "stone of courage". It is also said to provide for the revitalization of love, relationships and friendship. It helps one to demonstrate unselfishness and idealism, to improve ones talents and abilities, to enhance creativity and to support the decision making processes. Bloodstone is mined mainly in India, Australia, Siberia, Scotland, Brazil and the United States.
Bloodstone alternates with aquamarine as the birthstone for March and is graded 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The following links offer further reading on bloodstone http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/bloodstone.html
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