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Bloodstone Healing Properties, Facts and Photos

rough piece of the mineral bloodstone
Contents

1. What is Bloodstone?
2. History of Bloodstone
3. Bloodstone in Ancient Egypt
4. More Bloodstone Facts
5. Bloodstone Healing Properties
6. Article Pictures
7. Shop Bloodstone

What is Bloodstone?

Bloodstone is a dark green variety of the mineral chalcedony.  Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz.

Minerals described as cryptocrystalline have crystals too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Bloodstone is an opaque stone that takes on a high polish.  When used as a gemstone it tends to be cut as a cabochon.

The red markings are inclusions of iron oxides, usually hematite.

The History of Bloodstone

Historically bloodstone has been associated with many supernatural powers. One of its most important uses was to control bleeding and heal wounds.

In powdered form it has long been used as a medicine particularly for issues relating to the blood. 

It was also believed to control the weather and turn the sun's rays.  It was used to banish evil spirits, direct spiritual energies and to protect against the evil eye.

It was also carried as a talisman by warriors and athletes because of the belief it could enhance physical strength and endurance. 

The dark red inclusions in bloodstone were once likened to drops of blood.   Legend says it was created at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of Christ.  This made it popular with the church.

Bloodstone is known to have been used for carving scenes of the crucifixion.

During the Middle Ages it's believed to have been used for sculptures that depicted flogging, whipping, lashing and martyrdom.  Little tangible evidence exists to support this but many artefacts of Christ carved in bloodstone are housed in London's British Museum.

In many of these carvings the red spots depict blood.

An intaglio which dates back to the late 2nd or 3rd century is one of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion.  Described as a reddish brown jasper, the stone is believed to be bloodstone.

In ancient Rome bloodstone was used to preserve health and protect against deception.  It was also widely used as a seal for letters and documents.

Pliny the Elder ancient Roman author and naturalist (23-79 AD) wrote;

"Heliotropium is found in Æthiopia, Africa, and Cyprus: it is of a leek-green colour, streaked with blood-red veins.  From the circumstance that, if placed in a vessel of water and exposed to the full light of the sun, it changes to a reflected colour like that of blood; this being the case with the stone of Æthiopia more particularly.

Out of the water, too, it reflects the figure of the sun like a mirror, and it discovers eclipses of that luminary by showing the moon passing over its disk.

In the use of this stone, also, we have a most glaring illustration of the impudent effrontery of the adepts in magic, for they say that, if it is combined with the plant heliotropium, and certain incantations are then repeated over it, it will render the person invisible who carries it about him
."

(Ref; Pliny - Naturalis Historia)

Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plant with similar colours to bloodstone.  The name came about because the flowers were understood to turn to face the sun.  The Greek word "helios" means "sun" whilst "trepein" means "to turn".

The name "heliotrope" which is an alternative for bloodstone is believed to have come about because the stone was believed to reflect light.  For reasons not fully understood it was also believed to change colour after being submerged in water.

the mineral bloodstone

Bloodstone in Ancient Egypt

Reference to bloodstone being used for its healing properties in ancient Egypt can be found in the Ebers Papyrus.

One of the oldest surviving medical texts, the Ebers Papyrus is believed to have been written in 1536 BC during the ninth year of the reign of Pharaoh Amenophis I (aka Amenhotep).

It has been translated from hieratic script which was a cursive form of hieroglyphs. It contains information on medical conditions including diseases of the eye, skin, blood and digestive system. It also references gynaecological problems and surgical procedures.

The Ebers Papyrus has remedies using herbs, minerals and animal products and describes the use of enemas, cupping and bloodletting as treatments.

In reference to bloodstone it says;

If you examine someone mortally ill (and) his body is shrunken with disease in extremis; if you examine him (and) you do not find disease in his body except for the surface of the ribs, the members of which protrude like pills; you should then recite (a spell against) this disease in your house; you should (also) then prepare for him ingredients for treating it: blood stone of Elephantine, ground; red grain; carob; cook in oil (and) honey; it should be eaten by him over four mornings for the suppression of his thirst and for curing his mortal illness.

(source - Ebers Papyrus page 6) 

blood stone depicted in hieroglyphs

More Bloodstone Facts

When heated the green in bloodstone turns grey and the red inclusions of iron oxide turn black.  For this reason the stone's colour is always natural.

Bloodstone is mined predominantly in India, Australia, Siberia, Scotland, Brazil and the United States.

According to the traditional and ayurvedic birthstone chart bloodstone is the birthstone for March.  Aquamarine and jasper are listed as alternatives.

On the mystical birthstone list bloodstone is the birthstone for February.  It's associated with the zodiac sign for aries.

Bloodstone grades 7 on Mohs scale of hardness.

Bloodstone Healing Properties

Bloodstone is best known for its association with the blood and the belief that it strengthens the immune system.

Its grounding and protective abilities can help keep undesirable influences out.  When carried as an amulet it offers strength and support when dealing with dangerous situations.

The healing properties of bloodstone help protect the mind from the stress of everyday life.  It's perfect for those who find it difficult to relax and who think about things for longer than they should.

Bloodstone is associated with the base chakra also known as the root chakra.  The location of this energy field is close to the base of the spine.

The base chakra has been likened to the roots that secure body and soul to Earth.  It focuses on survival, instinct and stability.

When the root chakra is aligned you should feel safe, secure and firmly grounded in yourself and in relation to what's going on around you.

Bloodstone can also be used to improve focus and to strengthen decision making.  It heightens intuition and increases creativity. It stimulates dreaming and revitalises mind and body.

On an emotional level bloodstone reduces irritability, aggressiveness and impatience. It assists in connecting one's inner self with the spiritual realm hence provides a sense of harmony and inner peace in daily life.

Bloodstone is prized for its grounding energy and ability to provide clarity and focus during times of stress or emotional turmoil. 

The healing properties of bloodstone are highly personal and subjective. Different people may experience different benefits based on their own beliefs, experiences and intentions.

tumbled bloodstone crystals

Article Pictures

The bloodstone at the top of our article is courtesy of James St. John. The tumbled stones and the rough piece are from our collection.

All three images are clickable and redirect to the original photo.

The last image is from the Ebers Papyrus. 

shop now explore our collection of bloodstone
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