Bloodstone, sometimes called Heliotrope, is a variety of quartz which occurs in massive formations. The color is green with flecks of red, although in smaller pieces of the mineral the red may not appear. When called heliotrope it refers to turning towards the sun, inferring that the reflection of the sun is blood-red.
Bloodstone was said by the ancient scholar, Pliny, to have been used as a mirror for viewing an exlipse of the sun. The red spots in legend represent the blood of Christ wonded on the cross. Bloodstone is said to strengthen and oxygenate the bloodstream, enhancing physical and mental vitality. It is also said to stop bleeding and eliminate toxins.
Bloostone is one of the birthstones for March (with aquamarine), symbolizing courage, and the zodiac stone for Aries. March 21 to April 19.
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