BLOODSTONE.
Bloodstone is a gentle and healing crystal. If you are feeling on shaky ground then Bloodstone will help you rebuild your mental fortitude and take steps forward with confidence. It realigns the Root and Sacral Chakras with the Heart Chakra, keeping you grounded while you open your heart to hear your own needs. Bloodstone reminds us that we are connected to all living things. That we are children of the earth and to return to it can heal us. It awakens the Earth Child in all of us, igniting a desire to get our feet on the ground and our toes in the grass. You can carry Bloodstone with you as a magick amulet of protection, allowing you to pass through the world undisturbed.
Bloodstone aka Heliotrope, is technically a form of iron-rich, dark green Chalcedony which in turn is microcrystalline Quartz. There are two main varieties that you will recognise. The first is your “basic bitch” Bloodstone, usually found as a small tumble in a crystal shop. It is dark green with a splatter of vivid red spots of Jasper (Jasper is also Quartz). The Jasper gets its red colour from Hematite. The second type is less common, this is the South African Bloodstone. It is very visually interesting with an open matrix of grey translucent Chalcedony, with large splashes of Red Jasper, green Bloodstone, and golden Pyrite.
Earth Child
Bloodstone tumble
South African Bloodstone palm stone
In ancient times Bloodstone was sourced from the Kathiawar Peninsula, India. Now the majority of Bloodstone is mined in Brazil, Australia, the US, South Africa, and Madagascar. It was used by the Babylonians, and ancient Egyptians for amulets, protecting and enhancing the wearer.
Bloodstone Carved Gem from the Roman Empire, 2nd–4th century A.D
© J. Paul Getty Museum
In more recent history it was inlaid into table tops and cabinet doors, fashioned into snuff bottles, elaborate bowls, and other vessels. It was also carved with family crests/coats or arms and set into rings to create unique wax seals.
Bloodstone and Bronze Holy Water Vessel (Aspersorium). Est. 1500-1600
© Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Bloodstone and gold ring engraved with a shield of arms, a lion rampant on top and a motto on a scroll below. London hallmarks 1887.
© The Trustees of the British Museum
Buyer’s Guide to Bloodstone
Private Buyers
When you are buying Bloodstone you need to think of the two types mentioned earlier separately. For your basic Bloodstone, you will usually find it as tumbles or jewellery. Try to find a piece that displays the Red Jasper markings visibly - often cheaper Bloodstone is very dark and it can be hard to distinguish the Red Jasper clearly.
If you are buying South African Bloodstone then look for a piece with all of the various types of crystal in the mix; green Bloodstone; grey Chalcedony; Red Jasper; and Pyrite. The patternation is personal taste so if you aren’t able to see the piece and have to purchase online then make sure you are getting the actual piece in the online store photos to avoid disappointment. Don’t be afraid to ask for photos of the actual piece that you will receive if you are buying online. This doesn’t always work for mass sellers who are shipping from a fulfilment center but for smaller vendors, they will usually be happy to oblige. I prefer a polished piece of South African Bloodstone such as a palm stone, sphere or tower so that you can see the matrix mix.
Retail Buyers
If you are buying wholesale then ask the seller for a good material mix, and for anything bigger than a palm stone each South African Bloodstone piece should have Pyrite in it. This is important if you are buying larger spheres, towers, pyramids, flames etc as clients love to see the Pyrite. Look for good quality polishing with a high-sheen surface, it's Chalcedony so it should look very shiny. Make sure that there are no chips in the points of towers and that they are level and straight. You would be surprised how often they are cut so they end up having a lean like the Tower of Pisa. Ensure they are packed carefully so tips and edges aren’t damaged.
Flecks of Pyrite in South African Bloodstone
Quick Guide | Bloodstone
Zodiac: Bloodstone is associated with the zodiac sign Aries.
Ruling Planet: The ruling planet for Bloodstone is Mars.
Chakra: Bloodstone is associated with the Root (Muladhara) Chakra and the Heart (Anahata) Chakra.
Element: Bloodstone is aligned with the element Earth.
Crystal Charging: Bloodstones can be charged overnight under a full moon or in a freshwater stream.
Crystal Elixir: Bloodstone is a silicate and is safe to be used to make a crystal elixir.
Crystal Care: Bloodstone is safe to wash in warm soapy water. You can also use a soft cloth, make-up brush, or air duster.
The chemical formula for Bloodstone: SiO₂ plus other metallic minerals such as Hematite and Pyrite.