B
BLOODSTONE
Name:
Bloodstone: Named because the red spots resemble drops of blood.
Heliotrope: From the Ancient Greek words helios ("sun") and tropein ("to turn"), referencing the ancient belief that the stone, when placed in water, would give a red reflection when turned toward the sun, or even turn the sun itself red.
AKA: Heliotrope (Greek; “sun-turner”); Audible Oracle; Martyr’s Stone.
Description: An opaque to semi-translucent variety of chalcedony.
Composition: SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Variety: Chalcedony.
Color: The green colors come from inclusions like actinolite or hornblende needles, and the red spots are caused by iron oxides, typically Hematite. It has a dark green body with distinct red, reddish-brown, or orange spots/splatters.
Treatments: Untreated. No known common treatments are typically applied to natural bloodstone.
Moh’s Hardness: 6.5 to 7.
Toughness: good.
Location Found: Australia; Brazil; China; India; Madagascar; United States.
Birthstone: March.
Wedding Anniversaries: N/A
Zodiac Signs: Aries; Libra; Pisces.
Chakra Associations: Heart; Root.
Historical Associations: courage; healing; passion; strength; endurance; Christ; guidance through sound; vitality; protection; aphrodisiac; willpower; resilience; fortitude to face adversity; purification; grounding; cleanse aura; detoxify energy field; anchor spiritual energy to the physical world; emotional balance; creativity; intuition; creative expression; intuitive abilities enhanced; self-confidence; war; Mars.
Historically Used to Treat: bleeding; hemorrhages; blood purification; circulation; wounds; poisons; vitality; anxiety; irritability; stress.
Care: Heat may change the color. Attacked by the chemical hydrofluoric acid. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are not recommended. Warm, mild, soapy water and a soft cloth are safe to use. Store away from harder materials.
Imitations: Glass pieces; Maple Stone (Japanese).
Synthetics: No known synthetic bloodstones are commonly produced.