Bloodstone

Who on this world of ours his eyes
In Aries opens shall be wise
If always on his hand there lies—A bloodstone.

Description

Bloodstone is a variety of green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide.

History

In the past bloodstone was called heliotrope. Today finely pulverized bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.

Folklore

Bloodstone was greatly treasured in ancient times. It was thought to cause storms, foretell the future, and give great power to its wearer.

Greek Bloodstone: Stone of Thunder

It has been said that when placed in a glass of water bloodstone imparted a reddish hue to the water, so that when the sun shone upon the water, its rays made bright red reflections. That is why the Greeks called bloodstone heliotrope, after the word helio for sun.

This curious property developed into the idea that bloodstone could turn the sun itself blood red and cause thunder, lightening, and rain storms.

Prophets and soothsayers offered prayers over the bloodstone and interpreted the "audible oracles" heard in the sounds of the wind and thunder.

Roman Bloodstone: The Leyden Papyrus

A 3rd century manuscript called the Leyden Papyrus, an important work describing the magical and healing practices of Egypt and the ancient world, says the following of the incredible power of bloodstone:

The world has no greater thing; if anyone have this with him he will be given whatever he asks for; it also assuages the wrath of kings and despots, and whatever the wearer says will be believed. Whoever bears this stone, which is a gem, and pronounces the name engraved upon it, will find all doors open, while bonds and stone walls will be rent asunder.

Medieval Bloodstone: The Martyr’s Stone

A Medieval legend explained that bloodstone was formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Medieval Christians carved bloodstone with scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs. Probably influenced by ancient ideas concerning the great power of bloodstone, a Christian who called upon the name engraved upon the stone would find "all doors open…and stone walls...rent asunder". Bloodstone was also called the Martyr's Stone.

Dreaming of Bloodstone

In Victorian times, dreaming of bloodstone foretold of distressing news.

Symbolism

Birthstone, modern, alternative: March
Birthstone, pre-1900:  March and December
Birthstone, pre-1900, Arabic: March
Birthstone, pre-1900, Polish: March
Birthstone, pre-1900, Roman: March

Who on this world of ours their eyes
In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave,
And wears a bloodstone to their grave.

Season: Autumn

Wedding anniversary, pre-1900: 19th

Angel: Machidiel

Zodiac: Aries

Who on this world of ours his eyes
In Aries opens shall be wise
If always on his hand there lies—A bloodstone.

See also

chalcedony and jasper