Bloodstone (Heliotrope): Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever heard of Bloodstone or Heliotrope? This gemstone is known for its green and red speckled appearance and has been used for centuries in jewelry and healing practices.

But Bloodstone is more than just a pretty stone – it has a rich history and many fascinating properties. Whether you’re a gemstone enthusiast or simply curious about this intriguing stone, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about bloodstone.

What is Bloodstone?

Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a green stone with red or brown spots caused by impurities in the iron oxide, and its green color is due to the presence of amphibole or Chlorite minerals found in the green Chalcedony. This gemstone is a type of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of silica composed of fine intergrowths of morganite and quartz.

The distribution of its green color is not consistently uniform and can exhibit streaks of blue or yellow alongside the green hue. The term “heliotrope” originates from the Greek words “helio,” meaning “sun,” and “tropos,” meaning “towards the sun,” reflecting the stone’s resemblance to heliotrope plants that turn towards the sun.

History of Bloodstone Crystal

Bloodstone, named for its ability to reflect the color of blood in sunlight or water, was revered in ancient times for its extraordinary properties. Legends attributed to Bloodstone include the power to make water boil and cause disturbances in utensils.

According to Pliny the Elder, it acted as a mirror for the sun, revealing solar eclipses. Over time, the legends expanded, suggesting it could turn the sun blood-red and influence natural phenomena. Damigeron, a Roman magician, claimed it could predict the future through rain and “Audible Oracles” in the 2nd century.

Read the complete version of the History of Bloodstone.

Bloodstone Meaning or Symbolism

The bloodstone has become a symbol of sacrifice and courage due to its historical association with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It’s also believed to carry the purity of blood and to have protective properties. As a result, it’s considered to be nurturing and have a positive impact on the wearer’s personality.

The bloodstone is said to bring out the most selfless characteristics of the person that wears it, making it a popular choice for those looking to cultivate a sense of altruism and courage.

Healing Properties & Benefits

Bloodstone is a powerful healing crystal that promotes physical well-being, aids in emotional healing, and enhances self-confidence. Let’s take a closer look at what Bloodstone can offer!

Physical Healing

Bloodstone is believed to help boost the immune system, purifying blood-rich organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and intestines, aiding in circulatory health, and reducing symptoms of menstrual disorders.

Its ability to neutralize and eliminate toxins from the body makes it useful in treating blood disorders such as anemia, leukemia, and tumors. It may also aid in the treatment of acute infections and over-acidification.

On top of that, bloodstone is known to relieve lower back pain, staunch blood flow, and reduce the discomfort caused by mosquito bites.

Emotional Healing

Bloodstone has a calming effect on emotions, clears confusion, and promotes feelings of self-worth, confidence, and independence. It teaches that chaos often precedes transformation and guides one in knowing when it is appropriate to strategically withdraw from situations.

Bloodstone also helps those who have been bullied or abandoned by others to regain their connection to the Divine and know that loneliness and isolation are mere illusions.

Plus, for those who are seriously ill, bloodstone is an excellent talisman for facing the realities of physical mortality and death, allowing one to look unflinchingly at the truth and move forward in the most appropriate ways.

Spiritual Benefits

This mystical stone is known for grounding and protecting the soul, heightening intuition, and dispelling mental confusion. Its shape-shifting ability teaches one to travel invisibly between the worlds and negotiate different realms

Bloodstone is often used to connect with the spiritual realm of ancestors and heal the ancestral lineage. Bloodstone allows one to live in the present untrammeled by the past by dispelling negative patterns.

It is a stone of courage and wisdom, noble sacrifice, and altruistic character, and it stimulates the urge toward Christ’s consciousness within the self, helping bring one’s true spirituality into everyday life in a grounded and real way.

Chakra Balancing

Bloodstone is particularly stimulating to root and heart chakras, as it is used to cleanse and realign the lower chakras with the heart.

The Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine, controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement, while the Heart Chakra, located near the center of the breastbone, regulates our interaction with the external world.

By using bloodstone to clear blockages and rebalance these chakras, we can regain our sense of power and understand our own needs and emotions clearly.

Facts Related to Bloodstone

As we already know, Bloodstone or Heliotrope is a durable gemstone with dark green to dark blue hues and red spots. It belongs to the quartz family and is often confused with jasper. Let’s take a closer look at some facts related to Bloodstone!

Physical Properties

• Mineral: Chalcedony/Jasper
• Color: A dark green base color adorned with a spatter of bright red.
• Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Moh Scale
• Opacity: Opaque to Translucent
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal System: Trigonal
• Chemical Classification: Cryptocrystalline Quartz
• Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 2.7
• Chemical Composition: SiO2
• Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture
• Streak: Colorless
• Distinguishing Properties: Green color with red spatter

Appearance of Bloodstone

Bloodstone can be easily distinguished from other green chalcedonies. The inclusions of actinolite or hornblende needles give the bloodstone its opaque appearance, which sets it apart from other green chalcedonies like chrysoprase and prase.

The red to orange spots on bloodstones are caused by the presence of iron oxides, such as hematite, although some bloodstones may have few or no such spots.

Where Is It Found?

Bloodstones can be found in various countries around the world. India is currently the largest producer of bloodstones, while California is a major producer in the United States.

Other notable sources of gem-quality bloodstones include Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and South Africa.

Is Bloodstone A Jasper?

Bloodstone is a cryptocrystalline quartz mixture that is commonly found as jasper, which is opaque, or occasionally as chalcedony, which is translucent.

The traditional bloodstone is characterized by opaque green jasper with red hematite inclusions, resembling blood spots and giving it its name.

This means Bloodstone is classified as jasper when it is opaque and as chalcedony when it is translucent.

Uses of Bloodstone

One of the primary applications of bloodstone is in pieces of jewelry due to its hardness and resistance to wear and tear. Bloodstone is frequently utilized to connect with the spiritual world of ancestors and bring healing to the family’s past.

Besides, bloodstone is also used in various decorative items such as bowls, figurines, and vases. However, the metaphysical and healing properties of bloodstone are also widely recognized.

Some people choose to wear bloodstone while some people choose to sleep close to a bloodstone for its benefits, making it a versatile gemstone with diverse uses.

Value of Bloodstone

Bloodstones are relatively inexpensive gems, and their value may vary depending on their size.

However, the number and color of the spots are the essential factors that determine the value of a bloodstone.

As a result, gemstones with more red or dark orange spots tend to have higher price tags.

Where to Buy Bloodstone Online?

There are plenty of places to buy this gem online. From specialty online shops to online giants like Amazon.

Our recommendation is to browse Amazon first to get a sense of prices, variety, and quality. Then do a detailed comparison online. Another specialty retailer is TinyRituals, which only sells gemstones of grade AA or higher.

How To Cleanse & Recharge Bloodstone?

It is recommended to use tepid water, preferably spring water, to clean the crystal. The crystal can be held under the water or soaked for a few minutes to remove any dirt or negative energy.

For a recharge, the Bloodstone can be left in the soil, allowing Mother Nature to draw out any toxins. This process is easy to follow and can be done regularly to maintain the crystal’s purity and effectiveness.

Here’s our full guide on how to properly care for your Bloodstone.

Is Bloodstone a Birthstone?

Bloodstone is one of the two birthstones for March, one is Aquamarine. Bloodstone has been used for centuries for its believed healing properties and is said to promote physical strength and courage, and is believed to be more effective for those who were born in the month of March.

On top of being a birthstone for March, Bloodstone is also commonly used as an anniversary stone for the ninth year of marriage.

Final Thoughts

Bloodstone is a powerful and versatile gemstone that has been used for centuries for its healing properties and symbolic meaning.

Whether you are looking for physical or spiritual benefits, bloodstone can offer a range of benefits to improve your well-being and enhance your life.

So if you are looking for a gemstone that is both beautiful and meaningful, bloodstone may be the perfect choice for you.

FAQs

What can be paired with bloodstone?

Bloodstone can be paired with clear quartz for enhanced energy and amplification.

Which part of your home should you place the bloodstone in?

Bloodstone is often placed in the east or southeast area of the home to promote vitality and abundance.

Can you put Bloodstone in the water?

It is safe to put bloodstones in water for short periods only. Prolonged exposure can affect the appearance of the stone.