I was doing some research for a story I’m writing and in the
process found all sorts of interesting tidbits about the word heliotrope.
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Bloodstone Hill, Isle of Rum |
It’s the gemstone I was interested in and the fact that one of the
places it can be found is in the Hebrides of Scotland, on the Isle of Rhum or
Rum.
Heliotrope also has another name—Bloodstone.
What the heck is a Bloodstone? Glad you asked. J
It’s a variety of the chalcedony, or quartz gemstones.
In the ancient world, Chalcedony was widely used for various
purposes. Archaeology verifies it was a common material used in artwork, such
as cameos, utensil decorations, inkstands and seals. Jewelry was another popular use for
quartz gemstones, ornaments
such as pins, amulets, and brooches. Heliotrope also has qualities similar
to flint and was used for axe heads and tools knife blades, and for
metaphysical properties in healing.
The bloodstone is unique from other quartz gemstones. It’s a
deep green in color with distinctive markings of red jasper. It’s the bright
red that gives it the name Bloodstone.
There was another reason is was a highly prized stone in
ancient times—Heliotrope or Bloodstone is a stone of mystical power.
For ancient Christians, it represented the power of Christ
through his blood—the bright red markings was thought to be as a result of
Christ’s blood dripping onto the green earth at his death. But even before
Christ, the bloodstone was considered special.
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Goddess Athena carved in Bloodstone |
The Greeks called it Heliotrope (Sun-turner) and felt the
stone would ward off evil and wore the gemstone in amulets as well placing them
on door lintels. It was also regarded as a stone of change and justice.
Probably having to do with the unfortunate spilling of blood to bring forth
change and justice.
Bloodstone was also considered a stone of courage. It was
once believed to overcome enemies, to open locked doors and break down blockages. Soldiers
carried bloodstone as protection against being wounded and to stop bleeding. In
ancient times, women wore bloodstones to ensure a safe pregnancy and easy
childbirth. Bloodstone was used to facilitate a communication with the
spiritual realms. There is legend that says heliotrope could, in certain
circumstances, render the carrier invisible.
Bloodstone pendant from the Isle of Rum |
Today, Bloodstone is still considered a mystical stone of
power and used as a health talisman to heal illnesses related to the blood and
circulatory system. It is worn by athletes to increase power and strength and
for victory, to secure success in physical battles, competition and
on a personal level. Among the properties attributed to the stone, good luck,
courage, the power of clear thinking, increases the flow of life energy, and helps to remove
energy blocks. Bloodstone gems are mostly used in making pendant,
necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry.
Heliotrope
or Bloodstone has had an interesting history through the years. Many of its
magical properties are still believed in and used. But I still haven’t found
any secret military labs, in modern times, exploring it’s mystical property of
invisibility.
Yet. J
18 comments:
Bloodstone is one of my favourtie gems.
Most enlighteneing and a joy to read.
Yvonne.
Bloodstone is so pretty. I'm going to look for it in MO. :) Think I'll find it next to the quartz?
Teresa
Interesting, never knew heliotrope was the alternate name. Of course you haven't found them, they are invisible.
I love this! Currently I'm researching stones and different meanings of magical items for my upcoming cozy paranormal mystery series that includes a "spiritual" community. Thanks so much!!
What an interesting post. never knew Heliotrope was an alternate name either for Bloodstone. I'm going to have to check uwhere I can get one. :)
Carol L.
It's interesting--my grandpa was a rock hound, so i have a fairly large collection of stones, but I think he just never got to these places (in fact i'm pretty sure he never left the land mass of the Americas). It is cool though--I like that more subtle version in that pendent best.
Bloodstone does have so many different colours but when just red, it does look a lot like blood.
So cool. I love the "blood drippings" on the stone. They're really beautiful.
Hart, Chalcedony and Bloodstones can be found in the States. Pretty much in all 50 but the outstanding stone mines are in Brazil, India, China, and Australia.
I do love the deep green with red jasper markings that are highly polished and I'm not enamored of the the green spotted with red. Some of the subtle ones are gorgeous.
Teresa, I think Missouri has it marked:
∇
quartz
here
►Bloodstone Here
☹
What do you mean your neck of the woods doesn't mark it? Sheesh.
:D
No mystical powers, but Bloodstone is a cool name.
It's a really pretty stone. I didn't realize its history went back so far.
You know, I never knew precisely what a bloodstone is until now. It's a lovely gem. Your research was interesting spill over. I would not have known this, if you hadn't posted about it cause it's safe to say I don't think I would have had a need to look heliotrope. =D
Just Another Manic Monday
Hi Sia .. great to read - bloodstone has held 'peoples' in sway for many a year .. and what's great now is - that we're re-finding our links to the past through the earth and its meaning .. chalcedony appears in many novels where spiritual stones feature ..
Excellent fun read - and the carving in Bloodstone of the Goddess Athena is beautiful ..
Cheers Hilary
I need something to turn me invisible so I can write more, but then again, my children would hear the clicking of the keys.
First... thanks for dropping by:)
I love that we both write a Mondays' Musings.... that is pretty cool...
And Heliotrope - what a great article - I love the color and I had no idea it was also a bloodstone!
Hey, Brenda! Yah, when I started it a few years ago, I thought I was being oh so cool and unique-Ha!
I enjoyed visiting your blog. :-)
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