Bloodstone

Chakra-1st(Root);Hardness-7;  Element-Earth; 

Bloodstone also called Heliotrope- which is from two Greek words: helios, the Sun and tropos, to turn, green or in the case of African Bloodstone it can be gray jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, is a variety of chalcedony.  It was treasured in ancient times and long served as the birthstone for March. This attractive chalcedony quartz is also known as Heliotrope because in ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun: perhaps the appearance of the gem reminded the ancients of the red setting sun reflected in the ocean.

Medieval Christians often used Bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, leading it to also be dubbed martyr's stone. The legend of the origin of Bloodstone says that it was first formed when some drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. A beautiful example of carved Bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre museum in Paris.

The Greeks and Romans wore Bloodstone to gain endurance during athletic endeavors and to secure favor of those in power to bring renown to themselves.

The later Gnostics believed that this stone prolonged life and brought untold wealth.  It can be found in India, China, Brazil, Australia, Africa and the U.S.A.

Healing Properties:
Bloodstone helps with cleansing of the blood and any organ related/connected with the blood. It can detoxify the body in general.  It is an excellent stone for healing which initiates renewal on most all level. Bloodstone works in overcoming depression and emotionally caused pain.

Even today, finely powdered Bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Perhaps that explains why today it is difficult to find fine specimens of Bloodstone on the market.

Zodiac:
Bloodstone is associated with the planet Mars and is the traditional Birthstone for the Month of March and is also called the Stone of Aries (also Pisces and Scorpio).

Bloodstone is said to lengthen life, give fame, bring money and aid you in being unnoticed when you desire.