Bloodstone
About Bloodstone
Also called heliotrope. The red spots are caused by iron oxide inclusions. Ancient Babylonians used it in divination. Medieval Christians believed the red spots represented the blood of Christ at the crucifixion. It was carried by soldiers for courage and to stop bleeding. It is a variety of chalcedony. India produces the finest specimens. It has been carved into seals and signet rings for 2,000+ years. The Leyden Papyrus from 300 CE describes its magical properties. It is the traditional birthstone for March. Powdered bloodstone was used as medicine in antiquity. Ancient athletes carried it for endurance.
Related Gemstones
Ruby
The king of gems in ancient Sanskrit (ratnaraj). Their red color comes from chromium - the...
Sapphire
They are corundum in any color except red (which is ruby). Blue sapphires get their color ...
Alexandrite
One of the rarest and most expensive gemstones - fine quality can exceed $70,000 per carat...
Spinel
For centuries, spinels were mistaken for rubies and sapphires. The Black Princes Ruby in t...