In the ancient world, Bloodstone (Heliotrope) was considered to be the most beautiful of the Jaspers, a deep, earthy green gem emboldened with spots of bright red. Called the Sun Stone, and later Christ’s Stone, its energy carries the purity of blood and inherently speaks of life and birth, vitality and strength, passion and courage. As a talisman, it is both mystical and magical, and its virtues are protective and nurturing.
The most widely known legend of this stone comes from the Middle Ages and claims the "Blood Stone" was formed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when the blood of his wounds fell onto the dark green earth and turned to stone.
Another version declares the blood of Christ, which flowed from the fatal spear-thrust, fell upon a Green Jasper lying at the foot of the Cross, and from this sprang the Bloodstone variety of Jasper.
Today, as then, Bloodstone is regarded as a gem of noble sacrifice and can offer courage and solace to all who are called to give of themselves for the good of others. It elicits the highest, most altruistic character of those who wear or carry it.
The Bloodstone, however, was treasured long before the time of Christ, known in antiquity as Heliotrope, the Sun Stone. From the Greek helios, meaning "sun," and trepein, "to attract," Heliotrope signified “sun-turning,” and legends were attributed to this stone for the belief that when placed in the rays of the setting sun, or immersed in water, it turned the reflection of the sun to blood-red.
"Bloodstone was treasured not only as a talisman of good health and long life but was reputed to bring its owner respect, good fortune, riches, and fame."
Its use for healing, and its connection to blood and detoxification of the organs, date back five thousand years to Mesopotamia. In many cultures, Heliotrope was dipped in cold water and placed on the body to aid circulation and transfer the power of the sun to prevent injury or disease, stop the flow of blood, or cure any wound. Its coagulant effect was renowned, and for this reason, ancient warriors often carried Heliotrope as an amulet of protection and courage, as well as its practical applications.
Ground, powdered, and mixed with honey, Bloodstone was used to cure tumors, draw out snake venom, and staunch hemorrhages. It was said to clear putrefaction of abscesses in a day, and simply looking at the Bloodstone was believed to prevent eye diseases.
Bloodstone was treasured not only as a talisman of good health and long life but was reputed to bring its owner respect, good fortune, riches, and fame. It protected one from deception, helped overcome enemies in battle, and secured victory in court and legal matters. It was also believed to have magical properties with the ability to control the weather by averting lightning, conjuring storms, or summoning rain. Bloodstone conferred the gift of prophecy as an "audible oracle" that gave off sounds as a means of guidance or to warn of danger and could direct spiritual energies to banish negativity and evil.
In the ancient world, it was considered to be a semi-precious stone or gem and was used extensively as signet seals and in jewelry, as well as being carved into decorative cups, small vases, and statuettes. Bloodstone (Heliotrope) may be classified as a Jasper or Chalcedony variety of Quartz and is usually a combination of the two. It is typically defined as a dark green Chalcedony with blood-like spots of Red Jasper or iron oxide inclusions. It occurs as massive formations, ranging from dark green to greenish-blue or greenish-black, and may be translucent to opaque with a waxy, resinous luster. In addition to the spots and streaks of Red Jasper, some formations contain inclusions that are yellow or white, while others lacking inclusions may be entirely green. Bloodstone has been referred to as Blood Jasper and specimens with only yellow inclusions have been called Plasma.
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