• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Gem Library

For those shiny, happy people

  • Colors
  • Jewelry
  • Crystals
  • Gemstones
Home » Gemstones » Silicates » Tectosilicates » Quartz » Chalcedony » Bloodstone » History of Bloodstone: A Journey Through Time & Mythology

History of Bloodstone: A Journey Through Time & Mythology

Gemstones have fascinated humans for centuries, with their unique beauty and alleged mystical properties.

Among these captivating gemstones is Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope. Let’s explore the rich history and intriguing legends surrounding this remarkable gem.

Jump To a Section Below

  • The Origins of Bloodstone
  • Bloodstone in Ancient Beliefs
  • Symbols and Engravings
  • Bloodstone and the Crucifixion
  • The Blood Of Christ
  • The 3rd Century A.D.
  • Bloodstone in Magical Practices
  • Healing and Medicinal Uses
  • Bloodstone Remedies in History
  • Bloodstone in the16th Century
  • Final Thoughts

The Origins of Bloodstone

Bloodstone derived its name from Greek words meaning “sun-turning,” as it was believed to reflect the color of blood when exposed to the setting sun or immersed in water.

In ancient times, it was regarded as a stone possessing extraordinary properties. Legends associated with Bloodstone claimed that it had the ability to make water boil and cause disturbances in utensils.

Bloodstone in Ancient Beliefs

According to the accounts of the historian Pliny the Elder, Bloodstone acted as a mirror for the sun and could even reveal solar eclipses.

Over time, the legends surrounding Bloodstone expanded, suggesting that it had the power to turn the sun blood-red and influence natural phenomena like thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and tempests.

The Roman magician Damigeron further reinforced these beliefs in the 2nd century, claiming that the stone could predict the future through rain and “Audible Oracles.”

Symbols and Engravings

Damigeron proclaimed Heliotrope as the Sunstone and its symbolism extended to how it was worn. Freemen engraved it with a radiant sun, while freed slaves wore it with the head of a sun.

  Wearing Bloodstone: Connecting With The Energies

Slaves’ Heliotropes bore the image of an altar with a torch on top. These engravings were believed to carry significant meaning and distinguish the wearer’s status.

Bloodstone and the Crucifixion

During the Middle Ages, a widely known legend associated Bloodstone with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

One version claimed that the blood from His wounds dripped onto the dark green earth, transforming into stone and giving rise to Bloodstone.

Another variation suggested that Christ’s sacred blood flowed from the fatal spear thrust and landed on a dark green Jasper at the foot of the cross, thus creating Bloodstone as a variety of Jasper.

Bloodstone

The Blood Of Christ

Ancient and medieval writers held Bloodstone in high regard, believing it preserved the wearer’s mental and physical health.

It was even referred to as “Christ’s Stone,” with the red spots on the Bloodstone seen as representations of Christ’s blood.

Gems cut from this stone were intricately engraved to depict drops of blood trickling down the Savior’s hair and face.

Fine examples of such carvings can be found in the French Royal Collection and the Field Museum in Chicago, USA.

The 3rd Century A.D.

Bloodstone’s esteemed reputation extended beyond its healing properties. It was believed to protect the wearer’s mind and body, ensuring longevity, respect, fame, and safeguarding against deception.

The Leyden Papyrus from the 3rd century A.D. praised the Bloodstone amulet, claiming that it granted the wearer’s every request, pacified the anger of kings and despots, and ensured that whatever the wearer said would be believed.

  Bloodstone (Heliotrope): Everything You Need To Know

It further asserted that anyone carrying this stone and uttering the name engraved upon it would witness doors opening and bonds and stone walls crumbling.

Bloodstone in Magical Practices

Ancient magical experts believed that combining Heliotrope, both the stone and the herb of the same name, with specific incantations could render the bearer invisible.

The famous ring of Gyges was said to possess the abilities associated with this stone. Furthermore, engraving the image of a bat on a Heliotrope or Bloodstone was believed to grant the wearer authority over demons and assist with incantations.

Healing and Medicinal Uses

Bloodstone’s reputation for its healing properties extended to its alleged ability to stop nosebleeds, control bleeding from wounds, and halt various hemorrhages. Its coagulant effect can be attributed to the presence of iron oxide in the stone.

Ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, recognized its connection to purifying the blood and kidneys, a belief that dates back five thousand years.

Bloodstone Remedies in History

Throughout history, Bloodstone was utilized in various remedies. In the ancient Near East and Medieval Europe, it was powdered and mixed with honey and egg white to draw out snake venom, reduce tumors, and stop hemorrhages.

The Alfonso lapidary mentioned hanging Bloodstone over an abscess to clear putrefaction within a day. It was believed that merely gazing at Bloodstone could prevent eye diseases.

When powdered, it possessed drying properties, helping alleviate watery secretions due to its heat and dryness.

Bloodstone in the16th Century

In the 16th century, Monardes documented the use of Bloodstone by Spaniards and the Indians of New Spain. They often shaped the gemstone into heart forms and used it as a remedy for wounds and bleeding of various kinds.

  Proper Care For Bloodstone: Enhancing Energy and Elegance

The best results were achieved by first dipping the stone in cold water and then placing it in the right hand of the patient. Touching the stone to any area where bleeding occurred also had a staunching effect.

Bernardino de Sahagun, a Franciscan friar, recorded instances where he cured native individuals from hemorrhages by having them hold a piece of Bloodstone in their hands.

Final Thoughts

Bloodstone, with its fascinating history and mystical allure, has captivated civilizations throughout the ages.

From its associations with the sun and its alleged powers over natural phenomena to its healing properties and use in various remedies, Bloodstone continues to intrigue both gemstone enthusiasts and those interested in the mystical realm.

Whether cherished for its symbolism, protective attributes, or potential medicinal benefits, Bloodstone remains a gemstone shrouded in ancient legends and timeless fascination.

Chermaine Chen
Chermaine Chen

Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.

Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.

Footer

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Sitemap

Affiliate Disclosure

We believe in being as transparent as possible when it comes to this site. With this in mind, please be aware that we may receive remuneration for some of the products we review on this site.

Truly Experiences is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk (and other Amazon programs).

We will also list ads from time to time. You should be able to see these as text links or blocks of ads which have a small notation indicating “Ads by Google” or “AdChoices”.

Our mission is to help our visitors, but this is also very clearly a for-profit site and you should realize as much. We include only those products that we believe could benefit you, some of which we may get a commission if you purchase them. However, we also provide links on the site to information resources for which we receive no compensation.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us using the "contact" option on the site menu and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Trademark Dislosure

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

In addition, any other trademarks and logos we mention on this site are also the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2025 Truly Experiences

Please be aware that we may receive remuneration if you follow some of the links on this site and purchase products.OkRead More