Next time you’re browsing your favorite gem shop, keep your eyes peeled for Bloodstone. This elegant healing crystal is one you’ll enjoy having and working with for years to come.
You might be surprised to learn the crystals we’re familiar with as birthstones today were a little different in ancient times. Today, when we think of the birthstone for March, Aquamarine pops into our minds. But this wasn’t always the case.
As the Aries birthstone, Bloodstone is also one of the birthstones for March and it’s also associated with the signs of Pisces, and Libra in the zodiac. (If you're interested in Zodiac birthstones and Birthstones by Month, feel free to check out our complete guides).
In this guide, you’ll learn about the geology of Bloodstones and their unique coloring. You’ll also explore how it’s been cherished across antiquity and how to use it in your daily life.
What Is Bloodstone?
Bloodstones are a dark green form of Chalcedony and often have blood-red spots, making it a genuinely eye-catching gemstone. Sometimes called Heliotrope, Bloodstones are an aggregate mineral (made up of other minerals) composed of Jasper and Hematite.
Its characteristic red splotches are a byproduct of Hematite's iron oxide impurities. However, this can occur with other iron oxide minerals as well. Even though this is a common color combination, it's not unusual to find stones with even more variation. Bloodstones can have several different shades of green and appear bluish-grey with speckles of yellow.
This verdant green stone ranks at a seven on the Mohs scale and is part of the hexagonal crystal system. Bloodstones have a vitreous, or glassy luster.
You can find bloodstones in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Germany, Madagascar, and the United States.
Bloodstone Throughout History and Folklore
Many gemstones have played a role in folklore and mythology. Occasionally, they make their way into the historical record. Evidence suggests several different cultures used bloodstone through the centuries for both practical and magical purposes.
The history of Bloodstone reaches back to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Bloodstone's other name, heliotrope, means "sun turner" in Greek. In the first century, a Roman naturalist and author Pliny the Elder wrote how Bloodstones could help someone become invisible.
Egyptians found a use for this mystical crystal as well, believing it could aid the digestive system. Even an Arabian magician, Damigeron, noted how Bloodstones could influence the weather, bring much-needed rain, or trigger natural events such as a solar eclipse.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, a famous origin story for Bloodstone emerged and became widely circulated. The tale centers on Christ's crucifixion. As his blood fell from his body and landed on green jasper in the earth, the Jasper was transformed, imbuing it with sacred and magical properties.
Several cultures used bloodstone as a good luck talisman or hemostatic amulet, believing it could influence blood flow and protect someone if they were wounded. As recently as the early 20th century, Appalachian folk medicine cites bloodstone as a remedy for nosebleeds.
Bloodstone and Its Healing Properties
It's easy putting a collection of healing stones together. Whether you're looking for help to calm your mind or simply adorn your bedside with some of nature's gifts, you're bound to find something you love.
Suppose you're more interested in crystal healing than decor. In that case, Bloodstone makes an excellent addition to your healing crystal kit. It can be used to replenish the energy in your chakras, shield you from negativity, and give you a boost during trying times.
Here are a few ways you can tap into Bloodstone's metaphysical properties and see how easy it is to work with this unique stone.
Nurture Your Chakra System
One of the simplest ways to start working with gemstones is to use them to support your chakra system. Bloodstone's vibrant green color and flecks of scarlet are directly connected to specific chakra colors. When you're looking to balance the energies in your root and heart chakras, Bloodstone is an excellent place to start.
When your Muladhara or root chakra is out of balance, you might feel stagnant, hampered by inaction and indecision. Conversely, when this area flows freely, you'll be more confident in your life and feel like you're moving forward.
In her book, "The Ultimate Guide to Chakras," Athena Perrakis notes how an unbalanced root chakra can affect every aspect of your life. Getting this energy center balanced is key to having a happy chakra system. If your first chakra needs some TLC, you can bet the others do too.
An imbalance in the Anahata or heart center will leave you feeling separate from those around you. You might even feel sadness and lack faith in yourself or the universe. On the flip side, a nurtured heart center allows you to feel a profound sense of love for yourself and others, and helps you embrace your place in the world.
When you strengthen and cleanse your chakras regularly, you'll be doing your part to align your energetic body and function correctly. Try incorporating Bloodstone into your meditation practice by including it in a crystal grid or holding it in your palm.
Hematite, black Tourmaline, and Garnet are other helpful healing crystals you can use to connect with your root chakra. For nourishing your heart chakra, think about adding Epidote, Rhodochrosite, or pink Opal when working with bloodstone.
Find Your Courage and Determination
Everyone could use a helping hand during challenging times, and bloodstone is here to help when you need it. Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian’s “The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach,” discusses how the energetic properties of Bloodstone can instill a sense of determination and help you summon the courage to follow your heart and take action.
Perhaps you're considering a career switch but feel intimidated branching out into a new arena. Maybe you're aching to pursue a dream and need to rekindle your inner fire so you can press on and bring it to life. Whether you've got a game plan mapped out for professional success or feel ready to try something new, Bloodstone may help.
This crystal's energy can work with your own. It gives you an intuitive nudge when your determination starts to wane to follow through on a project. Bloodstone's healing properties can also work wonders even on smaller goals.
Have you ever started a home improvement project and wanted to throw in the towel about halfway through? Bloodstone may help you finish that to-do list or make sure it doesn't get too long. Try slipping on a chakra bracelet with Bloodstone beads when you're ready to roll up your sleeves and work.
For more support, turn to red Jasper for an energy boost, Sunstone when you're itching to feel excited about a project again, and Lapis Lazuli to help you feel more confident and self-assured.
Remove Negativity From Your Energy Field
An essential part of maintaining your energetic system and keeping it in tip-top shape involves regularly clearing any sluggish or negative energy from your environment. Bloodstone is an ideal healing crystal. It's an excellent purifying stone, banishes negativity with ease, and works to protect your energy field.
Keep Bloodstone in your workspace, altar, or home to purge lingering and unwanted energies. Simmons and Ahsian share how keeping a protection stone near the entryway of your door or outside the perimeter of your house can work wonders for creating a harmonious and serene environment.
Another benefit of working with Bloodstone? It's an excellent crystal for grounding yourself. If you've had trouble staying focused or feel rushed, busy, and unable to remain in the present, you could benefit from Bloodstone's stabilizing energy. You can do this by lying down and having a friend or energy practitioner place Bloodstone crystals on your chakra points or meridians. Let yourself sink into a peaceful state of relaxation and savor the moment.
Remember, you can combine your Bloodstone gems with other crystals. Try moss Agate to usher in a greater sense of calm, Moonstone to ward off negativity, and Obsidian to harness its grounding properties.
