Tradename(s):

Bloodstone, Heliotrope

Family:

Jasper, Chalcedony group

Description:

A form of chalcedony, more specifically, an opaque green jasper with red flecks which is hematite.

Hardness:

7

Found:

India, Swaziland

Healing Properties:

Detoxifies the body. Cleanses the blood. Helps in overcoming depression and emotionally caused pain.

Astrology:

Associated with Aries and the planet Mars.

Chakra:

Heart chakra

Fen Shui:

Removes obstacles and attracts luck

Legends and Folklore:

This stone was once referred to as Heliotrope, which in Greek means "helio" (the Sun) and "tropos" (to turn). It was believed that a bloodstone immersed in water would capture the sun as a blood red image, a similar procedure that was used to capture the image of a solar eclipse. Ancient physicians believed that the stone stopped the flow of blood from wounds or hemorrhages. It was also believed to help with hemorrhoids. The Greeks and Romans believed it could help one gain endurance during athletics if worn. They also believed it would protect against bites by poisonous creatures. Some even believed that it could cause thunder, lightning, and winds warning of severe weather to come. During the middle ages, it was believed that Christ's blood at the crucifixion splashed on dark green jasper, thus giving its name.