Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony adorned with splatters of bright red. It has been a popular gemstone for at least 2000 years & has served as the modern birthstone for the month of March since 1912. Bloodstone is sometimes referred to as “heliotrope” by European authors & in works of the 18th century & earlier.
Tiny inclusions of chlorite, amphibole, & pyroxene are thought to contribute to the green base colors of bloodstone. The splashes of red are concentrations of iron oxide minerals - most likely hematite.
The most highly regarded bloodstone has a solid base color of deep forest green. On top of that is a light splatter of sharply contrasting and clearly visible blood-red dots. These are arranged in a spray or a random pattern as if they were blood spatter.
Specimens with this preferred color scheme & pattern are rare. Some people relate this color pattern to the “Blood of Christ” & apply religious significance. That is where the name “bloodstone” & some of the gem’s popularity originate.
Historically Bloodstone was used as an amulet to stop bleeding. It was also believed to control weather, banish evil, negativity while directing spiritual energies.
Bloodstone was widely used to protect against the evil eye. Some believed it could even render the wearer invisible. For this reason, stones were often carried by thieves.
Bloodstone is known as being a heliotrope because the stone was thought to reflect light. For reasons that are not fully understood, many believed it could change color after being submerged in water.
Bloodstone is considered an excellent energy cleanser, immune stimulator & powerful healer. It may assist in keeping in the present moment & help bring spirituality into everyday life. It may also be good for emotional centering, calming & help ease stress & aggression.
