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Gemstone :
Bloodstone
Birthstone Month :
Bloodstone is the birthstone for the month of March.
Zodiac :
Bloodstone is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries, Pisces, and Scorpio.
Chemical Symbol :
SiO2
Chemical Make-up :
Bloodstone is a Silicon Dioxide and a variety of Chalcedony, which is a form of
cryptocrystalline quartz. Its green color is due to the presence of chlorite, with
the red spots being due to the presence of iron oxide
History & Lore :
The flecks of red that resemble blood explains the origin of Bloodstone's descriptive
name. It has also been known as 'Heliotrope', which in
Greek means “sun turning”.
It is not known for certain why this name was given for
Bloodstone, although it
is said that in Ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun.
Legend states that Bloodstone was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell
and stained pieces of Jasper at the foot of the cross.
Because of this, Medieval
Christians used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, using
the red specks to signify Christ's blood.
This led to
the stone being titled the
Martyrs Stone.
The Louvre Museum in Paris contains an example of a “Martyrs Stone” that was carved
with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II.
Bloodstone has been used to cure blood related disorders dating back thousand of
years. It is said to aid poor blood circulation, cure blood poisonings, and purify
and detoxify the bloodstream. It is also believed to cure tumors, hemorrhages, and
to stop the flow of blood from a wound. Ancient gladiators used Bloodstone to seal
battle wounds.
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