Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist
Legends from the Middle Ages declared the “Blood Stone” first formed during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when His Blood fell upon the green earth.
Bloodstone slab — image thanks to www.gia.com
Long prized for its protective and healing abilities, Bloodstone is a member of the chalcedony family.
In appearance, it’s a dark forest green stone with blood-red spatters. Geologists attribute the green coloring to chlorite, amphibole, and pyroxene, while the red is iron oxide (typically hematite).
Ancient Macedonians believed Bloodstone could improve circulation, heal wounds, and detoxify the blood by transferring the healing powers of the sun into the body. Ground into a powder, Bloodstone was used to draw out venom from snake bites and toxins from tumors.
Used as a gemstone for at least 2,000 years, Bloodstone is sometimes called “heliotrope” by European authors and in 18th century and earlier works.
With a hardness of about 6.5 on the Mohs scale (ranging from 1 to 10), Bloodstone is found in India, Australia, Brazil, China, Madagascar, and the U.S. Typically, it’s cut into cabochons, wands, small sculptures, or tumbled.
Tumbled Bloodstones. Image thanks to www.geology.com
Historically, Bloodstone has found favor in men’s jewelry, particularly in rings and cuff links. Often, it contains an intaglio with a family crest or some other such motif.
In India, Bloodstone has gained popularity as an aphrodisiac. Fine gemstone quality Bloodstone crushed into a powder for such use typically costs more than the same amount of stone in its rough form.
Metaphysical healers use Bloodstone to realign the lower chakras with the heart. Signs of an unbalanced base chakra include low energy and a feeling of flightiness. When the heart chakra is out of balance, healers say, the personality becomes controlling and critical.
Along with aquamarine, Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for those born in March. It’s the zodiac sign for those born under Aries (March 21-April 19).
Feng Shui practitioners say Bloodstone utilizes Wood Energy. As such, it should be placed in the East and Southeast areas of a home or room, to enhance new projects and bring about abundance.
Bloodstone is said to be an excellent stone for those suffering from a potentially fatal illness, imparting the courage to fight and face one’s death with dignity.
Clean Bloodstone with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
This one’s a beauty. I’ve always enjoyed the colors of the southwest — adobe and turquoise — and this stone captures them in a much darker form. Combined with the green, it’s exceptionally attractive.
I wondered if there was a connection between the stone and ancient Chalcedon. Indeed, there is. The stone was named for the place: famous for the Council of Chalcedon in the early years of the Church (451 AD).
What an interesting fact — thank you for searching it out for us, Linda! If one believes in metaphysical properties exhibited by gemstones, this one’s a keeper. Personally, I think I’d find myself constantly wiping it, thinking the spatters needed removing!
Debbie, I love this gemstone! In fact, I have one in my collection. Not only do I like the way this stone looks, but it’s got so much history and power.
“Metaphysical healers use Bloodstone to realign the lower chakras with the heart. Signs of an unbalanced base chakra include low energy and a feeling of flightiness. When the heart chakra is out of balance, healers say, the personality becomes controlling and critical.”
Loved that! And it makes sense because the heart Chakra color is green.
I really like the photograph you shared of the various Bloodstone colors. They’re beautiful! This stone is so “earthy-looking.”
Thanks again for sharing such an fascinating gemstone post, my friend. I truly enjoy these!
Wishing you a super-duper Sunday! X
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Ron. I, too, like the tumbled stones (green is one of my favorite colors, after all!). I can see where it might appeal more to men than to women though because it just has a certain air of “manliness.”
We finally got our cool front — now it’s cloudy but much less humid. Have you noticed how the daylight hours are shrinking? Won’t be long until FALL arrives! xo
Loved your report on the Bloodstone, Debbie. I never had one of these.
Thank you, John. I don’t have any either. If I had a March birthday, I think I’d prefer the aquamarine because its clear blue-green color is more appealing.
Yeah, I agree with you. 😊
I’ve never heard of Bloodstone before, but yes, I’m sure I’ve come across references to heliotrope in literature, without ever knowing what it was. I think I imagined it as a yellow stone, because helio- makes me think of the sun. I’m not sure I like the original slab, but the tumbled cabochons are lovely.
I think that’s testament to the ability of a skilled gem cutter, that the tumbled stones are so much more appealing. I’ve seen photos of Bloodstone carved with intaglios inside, and they seem very manly to me. While I appreciate its purported ability to impart courage and face death with dignity, it’s probably not something I’d wear. Maybe it’s just something to have on hand!
That’s so interesting! I’ve never heard of bloodstone before, although the photos of it look familiar.
Thanks for dropping by, Ann, and for letting me know you did! I learn so much from writing these gemstone posts.