Bloodstone Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Bloodstone?

Bloodstone is a dark green variety of the mineral chalcedony. Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz.

Bloodstone is an opaque stone that takes on a high polish. It tends to be cut as a cabochon when used as a gemstone.

The red markings in bloodstone are inclusions of iron oxides, usually hematite.

The History of Bloodstone

Historically, bloodstone has been associated with many supernatural powers. One of its most important uses was to control bleeding and heal wounds.

In powdered form, it has long been used as a medicine, particularly for blood-related issues. 

Bloodstone was also believed to control the weather and turn the sun's rays. It was used to banish evil spirits, direct spiritual energies, and protect against the evil eye.

Warriors and athletes carried bloodstone as a talisman because they believed it could enhance physical strength and endurance. 

The dark red inclusions were once likened to drops of blood. Legend says bloodstone was created at the foot of the cross during Christ's crucifixion, which made it popular with the church. It's known to have been used as a carving material for scenes of the crucifixion.

During the Middle Ages, bloodstone was believed to have been used for sculptures depicting flogging, whipping, lashing, and martyrdom, but little tangible evidence exists to support this. 

London's British Museum houses many artefacts of Christ carved in bloodstone. The red inclusions have been cleverly used as blood.

One of the earliest depictions of the crucifixion is an intaglio dating back to the late 2nd or 3rd century. The stone, described as a reddish-brown jasper, is believed to be bloodstone.

In ancient Rome, bloodstone was used to preserve health and protect against deception. It was also widely used as a seal for letters and documents.

Pliny the Elder, ancient Roman author and naturalist (23-79 AD) wrote;

"Heliotropium is found in Æthiopia, Africa, and Cyprus: it is of a leek-green colour, streaked with blood-red veins.  From the circumstance that, if placed in a vessel of water and exposed to the full light of the sun, it changes to a reflected colour like that of blood; this being the case with the stone of Æthiopia more particularly.

Out of the water, too, it reflects the figure of the sun like a mirror, and it discovers eclipses of that luminary by showing the moon passing over its disk.

In the use of this stone, also, we have a most glaring illustration of the impudent effrontery of the adepts in magic, for they say that, if it is combined with the plant heliotropium, and certain incantations are then repeated over it, it will render the person invisible who carries it about him."

(Chapter 60, Pliny the Elder - Naturalis Historia)

Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plant with similar colours to bloodstone. The name came about because the flowers were understood to turn to face the sun. The Greek word 'helios' means 'sun' while 'trepein' means 'to turn'.

The name 'heliotrope', which is an alternative to bloodstone, is believed to have come about because the stone was believed to reflect light. For reasons not fully understood, it was also believed to change colour after being submerged in water.

Bloodstone in Ancient Egypt

Reference to bloodstone being used for its healing properties in ancient Egypt can be found in the Ebers Papyrus.

One of the oldest surviving medical texts, the Ebers Papyrus is believed to have been written in 1536 BC, during the ninth year of the reign of Pharaoh Amenophis I (aka Amenhotep).

The Ebers Papyrus has been translated from hieratic script, a cursive form of hieroglyphs. It contains information on medical conditions, including diseases of the eye, skin, blood, and digestive system. It also references gynaecological problems and surgical procedures.

It includes remedies using herbs, minerals and animal products and describes the use of enemas, cupping and bloodletting as treatments.

In reference to bloodstone it says:

"If you examine someone mortally ill (and) his body is shrunken with disease in extremis; if you examine him (and) you do not find disease in his body except for the surface of the ribs, the members of which protrude like pills; you should then recite (a spell against) this disease in your house; you should (also) then prepare for him ingredients for treating it: blood stone of Elephantine, ground; red grain; carob; cook in oil (and) honey; it should be eaten by him over four mornings for the suppression of his thirst and for curing his mortal illness."

(source - Ebers Papyrus page 6) 

More About Bloodstone

The colour in bloodstone is always natural because when heated, the green turns grey, and the inclusions of iron oxide turn black.

Bloodstone is mined predominantly in India, Australia, Siberia, Scotland, Brazil and the United States.

According to the Traditional and Ayurvedic Birthstone Chart, bloodstone is the birthstone for March. Aquamarine and Jasper are listed as alternatives.

On the Mystical Chart, bloodstone is the birthstone for February. It's associated with the zodiac sign of Aries.

Bloodstone grades 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Healing Properties of Bloodstone

Bloodstone is widely known for its association with the blood and the belief that it strengthens the immune system.

Its grounding and protective abilities can help keep undesirable influences out. When carried as an amulet, bloodstone offers strength and support in dangerous situations.

It's ideal for those who find it difficult to relax and think about things for longer than they should.  

Bloodstone is associated with the base chakra, also known as the root chakra. This energy field is located close to the base of the spine. The base chakra has been likened to the roots that secure body and soul to Earth. It focuses on survival, instinct, and stability.

When the root chakra is aligned, you should feel safe, secure and firmly grounded in yourself and in relation to what's happening around you.

Bloodstone can improve focus and strengthen decision-making. It heightens intuition and increases creativity. It stimulates dreaming and revitalises the mind and body.

On an emotional level, bloodstone reduces irritability, aggressiveness and impatience. It assists in connecting one's inner self with the spiritual realm hence provides a sense of harmony and inner peace in daily life.

Bloodstone is prized for its grounding energy and ability to provide clarity and focus during times of stress or emotional turmoil.

Article Pictures

The bloodstone at the top of our article is courtesy of James St. John. The rough piece and tumbled stones are from our collection.

Images are clickable and redirect to the original photo.

The hieroglyphs are from the Ebers Papyrus.

Pop-up Photo: Hematite - Courtesy of Stan Celestian.