Meaning & symbolism
Bloodstone, properly called heliotrope, is a dark green variety of chalcedony flecked with discrete red spots of iron oxide. The green comes from microscopic chlorite and actinolite inclusions, the red from hematite. It is opaque, takes a good polish, and is tough enough for daily wear. Most of the world's material comes from the Kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat, India, where it forms in gas cavities in the Deccan Traps basalts.
Healing properties
Energy
- Courage that has to last
- Endurance through a long effort
- Grounding into the body
- Decisiveness
Mineralogy
- Chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz)
- Mohs 6.5 to 7
- Green from chlorite and actinolite
- Red spots from hematite
- Opaque, waxy to vitreous polish
Sources
- India (Gujarat, Deccan Traps)
- Brazil
- Australia
- Madagascar
- Isle of Rum, Scotland
How to use it
Carry it in a pocket through a demanding stretch rather than saving it for ceremony: bloodstone responds to being used. Hold it when courage has to be found in private. It is traditionally worked at the root chakra, and it suits commitment practices more than transcendent ones.
Cleansing & care
Easy. At 6.5 to 7 it resists everyday scratching and it does not fade in sunlight. Brief contact with water is fine; avoid prolonged soaking and avoid salt, which dulls the polish over time. Running water, smoke or a night on the earth all suit it.
Questions & answers
No. Dragon bloodstone, or dragon blood jasper, is a green epidote and red piemontite rock from Western Australia. True bloodstone is green chalcedony with hematite spots. Different minerals entirely, despite the similar name.
