March Birthstone - Bloodstone

The bloodstone is the other March birthstone recognized by the American Gem Trade Association. This unique stone, also known as heliotrope, is a dark green to dark bluish-green form of chalcedony that is speckled with red or brown spots. The red markings on the stone are most often seen as veins or drops; they can cover the stone or be non-existant.

The name heliotrope comes from the Greek words “helios” and “trope”, meaning “sun turning”. It got its name because the red coloring in the stone reflected on the surface of water, resembling the setting sun.

Bloodstones are commonly found in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Madagascar, Scotland and the United States.

A christian history of bloodstone

Bloodstone got its name because in the Middle Ages, it was believed that the stone was first formed when the blood of Jesus Christ dripped onto a green stone. This belief turned the bloodstone into a universal symbol of sacrifice and earned it the nickname, “the Martyr’s Stone”. Bloodstones can be found in many famous religious paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance period and before.

Mystical and healing powers of bloodstone

Not surprisingly, it was long believed that bloodstone increased the circulation of energy through the body of the wearer, released blockages and treated or prevented many other blood diseases.

For women in childbirth, it was believed that placing a bloodstone on the thigh would prevent hemorrhaging and ease the pain; wearing the stone on one’s left arm was said to prevent miscarriage.

For hundreds of years, soldiers marched into battle with bloodstones on their arms, believing that this would help quickly stop the bleeding from wounds received on the battlefield. Many soldiers also wore a bloodstone amulet as a motivation for courage.

It was also worn to boost self-confidence and self-appreciation. Many people counted on the bloodstone to provide them with clear thoughts and help them attract wealth.

Fun facts about bloodstone

• Today, powdered bloodstone is still commonly used in India as a medicine and aphrodisiac.
• Other semi-precious stones that are forms of chalcedony include Agate, Onyx and Carnelian.