Bloodstone is a dark green stone with red flecks. It is a form of silica quarts, also known as green Chalcedony. Chalcedony is actually a group of tiny quartz crystals that grow in masses/lumps. Plasma and Heliotrope are the two variations; Plasma is very deep opaque green with little or no red flecks and may even have yellowish spots. Heliotrope is a slightly translucent, lighter green and has red in it.
As with many gemstones, Bloodstone was treasured by the ancients. The Christian religion had a close connection with this gem as it was said to represent the blood of Christ. The legend of Bloodstone says that it formed when a drop of Christ’s blood fell on some Jasper at the foot of the cross. A traditional amulet would have the head of Christ positioned on Bloodstone in such a way that the red flecks look like blood.
During the middle-ages, Bloodstone was believed to have healing powers; the stone was crushed and mixed with egg whites and honey to cure tumours and to stop bleeding. Alchemists used it to cure blood poisoning or to draw out poison from snakebites. A Franciscan Friar gave the Mexican Indians pieces of Bloodstone during the 1576 plague to stop their haemorrhaging.
On a metaphysical level, Bloodstone is said to heal all blood ailments. It also symbolises the connection between the red lifeblood of animals and the green plant world. For meditation, this gem is excellent as it helps to align chakras and smoothes energy flow.
Bloodstone is the birthstone for March.
— Reinette
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