Bloodstone

Overview
Bloodstone is a green variety of chalcedony with red inclusions that give it its name. It is found in different parts of the world, but most often in India. Its mineral name is heliotrope. It was the original birthstone for March and is believed to be an excellent blood cleanser.

About the Stone

Bloodstone is simply green jasper with red inclusions. More specifically, it is usually a forest green color of jasper flecked with red jasper. Sometimes yellow jasper is also found in bloodstone, but is not one of bloodstone's tell tale identifiers.

Bloodstone is actually a type of chalcedony, a member of the quartz family of stones. It is a relatively hard stone, a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Bloodstone, traditionally, was the birthstone for March. March's birthstone is now Aquamarine, with Bloodstone listed as one of its alternative stones.

Bloodstone is found primarily in India, but also found in Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Metaphysical Properties and Folklore

In the Middle Ages, people believed the red spots found on bloodstone were actually drops of the blood of Jesus. They believed that because of this, the stone held miraculous powers.

Today, bloodstone is used in the metaphysical world for many things. It is often recommended as a powerful blood cleanser and healer; great for blood disorders and related illnesses.

Bloodstone is believed to create harmony and balance, encourages selflessness and idealism, and also heightens one's intuition. Bloodstone is sometimes even recommended to testifying witnesses, as it is believed to give courage and banish evil.

Bloodstone In Jewelry

Bloodstone is a very unique stone in that it carries a very specific color combination. Even so, quality, location, and many other factors effect the look of a finished bloodstone piece greatly, so matching new pieces with an existing piece can prove difficult.

What gives bloodstone its allure is the complete randomness of it: no two pieces are alike. If you are purchasing a pendant in this stone, it would be worthwhile asking if there are any other accessories on site that were cut from the same slab, as this will likely be your best match.