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Bloodstone & Sterling Bracelet with 9ct Fine Madagascar Malachite & Sterling Toggle
Clasp SOLD
Bloodstone: the martyr's gem
Bloodstone, green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, was treasured in
ancient times and served for a long time 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, mirrored in the ocean.
Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs,
for which reason it was also dubbed the martyr's stone. According to the legend about
the origin of bloodstone, it was first formed when 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 in Paris.
Even today, finely pulverised bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.
Perhaps that explains why it is now rather difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone
on the market. Bloodstone is mined in India, Australia, and the United States
Clasp SOLD
Bloodstone: the martyr's gem
Bloodstone, green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide, was treasured in
ancient times and served for a long time 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, mirrored in the ocean.
Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs,
for which reason it was also dubbed the martyr's stone. According to the legend about
the origin of bloodstone, it was first formed when 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 in Paris.
Even today, finely pulverised bloodstone is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India.
Perhaps that explains why it is now rather difficult to find fine specimens of bloodstone
on the market. Bloodstone is mined in India, Australia, and the United States
email: tara@fiveoclocksomewhere.us
