Occurence:
India is the major source,
but it is also found in South America, China, Australia, and the U.S..
Appearance:
Bloodstone, a form of
chalcedony, technically Heliotrope, is a cryptocrystalline Quartz consisting
of dark Green plasma with blood Red or Orange spots of iron oxide. It is
known as bloodstone, and bluestone.
Something Extra:
Civilizations long before
Christ had a great many beliefs and practical uses for this particular
Gem. It was believed that when placed in a glass of water during a drought
the Red spots would soak up the sun's rays and cause a storm; thus it was
called the "Tempest" stone. Throughout time Red gems, and especially Bloodstone,
were believed to have the power to check the flow of blood. The stone was
prescribed to bleeders or hemophiliacs. It was supposed that its mere touch
would stop the most violent of hemorrhages. This stone also had a religious
significance. In Christian legend the Red spots were said to be from the
blood of Christ's thorn crowned head during crucifixion. Its Zodiacal significance
is Aries, March 21st through April 20th.
Bloodstone, green jasper
dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, was treasured in ancient times
and long served as the
birthstone for March. This attractive chalcedony quartz is also known as
Heliotrope because in
ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun: perhaps
the
appearance of the gem
reminded the ancients of the red setting sun reflected in the ocean.
Medieval Christians often
used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, leading
it
to also be dubbed martyr's
stone. The legend of the origin of bloodstone says that it was first formed
when some drops of Christ's
blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. A beautiful
example of carved bloodstone
with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the
Louvre museum in Paris.
Even today, finely powdered
bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Perhaps that
explains why today it
is difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone on the market. Bloodstone
is
mined in India, Australia,
and the United States.