Bloodstone
The mineral aggregate bloodstone, proper name heliotrope (from Ancient Greek ἥλιος (hḗlios) 'sun', and τρέπειν (trépein) 'to turn'), is a cryptocrystalline mixture of quartz that occurs mostly as jasper (opaque) or sometimes as chalcedony (translucent). The "classic" bloodstone is opaque green jasper with red inclusions of hematite. The red inclusions may resemble spots of blood, hence its name.
The name heliotrope derives from various ancient notions about the manner in which the mineral reflects light. Such notions are described, for example, by Pliny the Elder.
Use in magic
Ancient Roman soldiers believed that the stone had the ability to slow bleeding and wore it for this reason. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore the stone to bring renown and favor, to bring endurance, and as a charm against the bite of venomous creatures. Greek and Roman athletes favored it as talisman for success in their games.
A Christian tradition states that the red spots come from blood falling upon the stone during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as he was stabbed in the side by a Roman soldier.
Bloodstone was called "stone of Babylon" by Albertus Magnus and he referred to several magical properties, which were attributed to it from Late Antiquity. Pliny the Elder (1st century) mentioned first that the magicians used it as a stone of invisibility. Damigeron (4th century) wrote about its ability to make rain, solar eclipses and its special virtue in divination and preserving health and youth.
In India it is held that one can staunch the bleeding by placing upon wounds and injuries after dipping it in cold water, which may have a scientific basis in the fact that iron oxide, contained in the stone, is an effective astringent. The Gnostics wore the stone as an amulet for longevity, for wealth and courage, to strengthen the stomach, and to dispel melancholy.
The Grand Grimoire requires the magician to carry a bloodstone in their pocket to dispel fear.
Use of the word
The word "bloodstone" has been used in popular culture:
- Bloodstone: Subspecies II - a 1993 horror film.
- Ulysses Bloodstone - a Marvel Comics character.
- Operation Bloodstone - a CIA recruitment program for former Nazi officers in covert intelligence operations against the Soviet Union.
- Bloodstone Studios - an esoteric publishing company.
- Bloodstone - an R&B, soul and funk band.