Options, options, who doesn’t like options? When you do a Google search on March’s birthstone, you will find that there are two. Actually, quite a few months have multiple birthstones. One of my past blogs, www.angelacisneros.com/post/what-s-your-birthstone gives a list of all the birthstones and explains how they came about. Most of us are familiar with the cool and clear, light blue color of Aquamarine, but how many of us know about Bloodstone?
Bloodstone is from the mineral family Chalcedony (pronounced: Kal-seh-duh-nee) which was named after the ancient Turkish seaport of Chalcedon. It is a dark green semi-translucent to opaque gemstone, which basically means that you can’t see through it. It has red inclusion flecks of iron oxides scattered across the gemstone. India is the main source of Bloodstone, but it also comes from Brazil, Australia, China, and the United States.
The ancient Greeks referred to Bloodstone as Heliotrope, which means “to turn the sun.” It was believed that if they placed the gemstone in water, it would turn the sun red. I am not sure why one would want to turn the sun red, but I am sure the Greeks had their reasons! In the Christian tradition, the gemstone is referred to as Bloodstone because the red flecks reminded them of Christ’s blood sacrificed for mankind.
Bloodstone, or Heliotrope, is not faceted like a diamond or ruby are but is cut into cabochons which have a flat bottom and rounded top. It is because of this style of gemstone cutting, historically, wealthy families and Royalty had family crests cut into the top of the gemstone and set into rings making the family’s official wax seal. Men wore this gemstone in rings and cuff links. Bloodstone/Heliotrope, was associated with strength, invisibility, and preserving youthfulness which is why many athletes have used it as a talisman for better performance. Many places in India still consider crushed Bloodstone as an aphrodisiac!
Having gemstone options is important because we don’t all like the same thing. Also, jewelry means something more, so it has to resonate with you as a style you like and/or a connection to the past. It is a good thing that Aquamarine and Bloodstone/Heliotrope look very different from each other!
I would love to help you with your special purchase or custom design! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:
One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)
Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)
Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 23 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)
Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.angelacisneros.com/book-appointment
*Photo credit: africagems.com
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