Bloodstone – Meaning, Uses and Healing Properties

The term "bloodstone" is derived from the belief that the red speckles in the dark green stone resemble drops of blood. This association likely contributed to its name.

The word "heliotrope," on the other hand, has Greek origins. It comes from the Greek words "helios," meaning sun, and "trepein," meaning to turn. In ancient times, there was a belief that bloodstone could reflect the sun, hence the name heliotrope.

In Greek mythology, a plant named heliotrope was said to turn its leaves toward the sun. This association with the sun and its supposed reflective properties likely led to the alternative name for bloodstone.

Bloodstone is a gemstone with much history and folklore and has fascinated cultures around the world for centuries.  Also known as heliotrope, this stone has a deep green or sometimes bluish-green hue with red specks that look like drops of blood. 

Its appeal extends back to ancient times when it was valued for its healing properties and associations with vitality and resilience.

In Greek and Roman mythology, bloodstone was believed to have formed from the blood of Christ, earning it a sacred status and widespread recognition for its mystical attributes. Medieval Europe used it as a remedy for ailments and a ward against evil forces. Across many cultures there are stories of its protective qualities and its role in enhancing courage and fortitude.

• Bloodstone Chemistry: Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is primarily made up of chalcedony (a form of quartz) and contains inclusions of iron oxides, particularly hematite, which give it the red speckles.
• Country of Origin: Bloodstone is found in various countries, including India, Brazil, Australia, China, Russia, and the United States.
• Crystal System: Bloodstone belongs to the trigonal crystal system. It typically forms in massive formations rather than in distinct crystals.
• Crystal Family: Bloodstone is a member of the quartz family, specifically the chalcedony subgroup, which is polycrystalline.
• Hardness: Bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable. However, it can still be prone to scratching and should be protected from harsh impacts.
• Bloodstone Colour: The primary colour of bloodstone is dark green, which can range from opaque to slightly translucent. Its defining trait is the presence of red spots caused by iron oxide inclusions.

Bloodstone promotes balance, stability, and courage, reducing stress and fostering inner strength. Bloodstone is also valued for its grounding and protective qualities, shielding against negative energies and promoting security. 

Bloodstone is linked to the root energy centre (chakra), facilitating alignment and connection to the physical world. While these purported benefits are widely acknowledged in alternative healing practices, it's essential to approach bloodstone as a complementary therapy and consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns.

Bloodstone is considered a projective stone, meaning it can project energy outward, helping to enhance your vitality, strength, and courage.

Bloodstone is closely associated with the root and heart energy centres.

The root chakra or energy centre, located at the base of the spine, is linked to stability, grounding, and physical energy. Bloodstone strengthens the root energy centre, promoting security, physical strength, and endurance.

Situated near the centre of the chest, the heart chakra or energy centre is connected to love, compassion, and emotional balance. Bloodstone can enhance these qualities, fostering courage, empathy, and resilience.

Bloodstone benefits Aries, Libra, and Pisces, though it can be helpful for all zodiac signs.

• Aries: As a fire sign, Aries are known for their dynamic and assertive nature. Bloodstone supports Aries individuals by enhancing their natural leadership qualities and providing grounding energy.
• Libra is an air sign associated with balance and harmony. Bloodstone assists Libra in finding inner strength and decisiveness, supporting their quest for equilibrium.
• Pisces: As a water sign, Pisces are intuitive and sensitive. Bloodstone helps Pisces by grounding their emotional nature and bolstering their physical vitality.

Bloodstone is often associated with the Earth element. This connection stems from bloodstone's grounding properties, its deep green colour reminiscent of nature, and its associations with stability, strength, and vitality—all attributes commonly attributed to the Earth element.

Bloodstone is associated with the planet Mars. This connection is due to bloodstone's red spots, which are reminiscent of the colour of Mars, the red planet. Additionally, Mars is often linked to qualities such as strength, courage, vitality, and action, which align with the energetic properties attributed to bloodstone.

In numerology, bloodstone is associated with the number 4. This number is often linked to stability, organisation, and practicality, qualities that resonate with the grounding and protective properties attributed to bloodstone. The number 4 is also associated with the Earth element, further reinforcing bloodstone's connection to stability and strength.

Bloodstone is not a traditional birthstone but is connected to March. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Aries, which falls between March 21st and April 19th. It brings luck, protection, and vitality to those born in this month.

Due to their complementary properties, several essential oils and incense are associated with bloodstone. Some options include:

• Patchouli: Patchouli is often used in conjunction with bloodstone for its grounding and earthy aroma. It is believed to enhance feelings of stability, balance, and connection to the earth.
• Frankincense: Frankincense is a popular choice for burning alongside bloodstone due to its purifying and spiritually uplifting properties. It is often used to promote focus, clarity, and inner strength.
• Cedarwood: Cedarwood is another option that pairs well with bloodstone for its grounding and calming effects. It is often used to promote feelings of security, strength, and resilience.

Regardless of how you choose to use bloodstone, it's essential to set clear intentions and cleanse the stone regularly to maintain its energetic properties.  Remember that individual experiences with gemstones will vary, so it's essential to attune to your crystal, listen to your intuition and adjust your practices accordingly.

• Wearing Jewellery: One of the most common ways to use bloodstone is by wearing it as jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces, or rings. This allows for direct contact with the skin, facilitating its healing throughout the day.
• Meditation and Visualisation: Incorporating bloodstone into meditation or visualisation practices can enhance focus, grounding, and emotional balance. Hold the stone in your hand or place it nearby during meditation to amplify its effects.
• Elixirs and Water Infusions: Some people create gemstone elixirs by placing bloodstone in water and allowing its energy to infuse the liquid. However, it's essential to use caution and research safe practices, as specific stones may contain substances that can be harmful if ingested. We always suggest using the indirect method for elixirs regardless of the crystal.
• Placement in Living Spaces: Placing bloodstone in your home or workspace areas can help create a harmonious environment and protect against negative energies. Consider placing it near doorways or in areas where you spend a significant amount of time.
• Healing Layouts and Grids: Bloodstone can be incorporated into crystal healing layouts or grids by combining it with other complementary stones to target specific areas of the body or energy centres. Carrying as a Talisman: Some individuals carry bloodstone in their pocket or purse as a talisman for protection, vitality, and emotional support throughout the day.

Cleansing and charging bloodstone is important to maintain its energetic properties and ensure its effectiveness. Here are several methods you can use:

• Water Cleansing: Rinse bloodstone under running water for several minutes, visualising any negative or stagnant energies being washed away. You can also place the stone in a bowl of clean water and leave it to soak for a few hours or overnight. Afterwards, pat the stone dry with a soft cloth.
• Salt Cleansing: Fill a bowl with dry sea salt or Himalayan salt and bury the bloodstone within the salt for several hours or overnight. Salt can absorb negative energies. Afterwards, brush off any remaining salt and rinse the stone under running water to remove any leftover salt.
• Smoke Cleansing: Pass bloodstone through the smoke of sacred herbs such as sage, cedar, or Palo Santo. As you do so, visualise any negative energies being dispelled by the smoke. 
• Sunlight and Moonlight Charging: To recharge your bloodstone's energy, place it in direct sunlight or moonlight for several hours. Sunlight will energise and revitalise the stone, while moonlight will infuse it with gentle energy. However, be cautious with prolonged exposure to sunlight, as it may fade the stone's colour over time.
• Crystal Clusters: Surround bloodstone with a larger crystal cluster, such as amethyst or quartz, overnight. Crystal clusters can amplify and cleanse the energies of other stones placed near them. Choose the method that resonates most with you. Remember to cleanse bloodstone regularly, especially after extended use or exposure to negative energies. Trust your intuition and observe any shifts in the stone's energy as you work with it.

Bloodstone can be paired with crystals of similar colours, energetic alignments to elements, zodiac signs and energy centres (chakras).

To store bloodstone safely, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading and protect it from harsh chemicals. Store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches, and consider using soft pouches or jewellery boxes with padding. 

Bloodstone is generally safe to wear and touch. Its composition is made up of chalcedony, a form of quartz, along with inclusions of iron oxides, particularly hematite, which give it its distinctive red spots. Bloodstone is relatively inert and stable, making it safe for direct contact with the skin. 

When using bloodstone in elixirs or water infusions, it's advised to use the indirect method. Even though it's relatively inert and stable, you never know the material's exact composition and what might leech into the water.

Overall, bloodstone is generally considered safe for everyday wear and use. Still, individual sensitivities and preferences should always be considered.

Bloodstone is a gem rich in history and healing properties, valued across cultures for its resilience and vitality. From ancient myths to its associations with planets and elements, bloodstone embodies strength and protection. Its deep green hue, speckled with red, symbolises vitality and courage. Whether worn as jewellery or in meditation, bloodstone offers grounding and balance. By understanding its significance and using it mindfully, we can tap into its transformative energies for resilience and well-being.