Gemstones - Background and Lore - Bloodstone

The Bloodstone is an opaque to semi-translucent kind of chalcedony. It is dark green flecked with red. The Greeks called it heliotrope because it flashed red when dunked into water while faced sunward. Medieval Europe considered the bloodstone to be a talisman that stirred passion, stopped bleeding, and brought healing.

Rich men in the time of King Solomon held the stone in high regard and often used it in their seal rings. It is still set in men's jewelry today. Bloodstone is popular in Christian jewelry because of its distinctive pattern resembles the blood of Christ.

Bloodstone is the alternate birthstone for March. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale, and a toughness that is said to be good. The color of the stone may change if exposed to high heat, but it is unaffected by light. It does not stand up to hydrofluoric acid.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are not recommended for this stone. It is best to use warm, soapy water.

Bloodstone is said to aid in healing, especially related to the blood. Increases courage and charitability.