Some of the symbolism I use in my work references a legend. This is true of the bloodstone. Bloodstone is a dark green jasper with flecks of red iron oxide. Most bloodstone comes from India, Brazil, and Australia. It can also be found in the United States.
The stone was prized for its mystical properties going back to 5,000 BC. The Babylonians believed bloodstone had healing powers, especially for diseases of the blood. Other cultures attributed powers to the stone such as achieving victory over enemies or controlling the weather.
The Christian legend from the Middle Ages is the reason I use bloodstone. It was believed that the blood of Christ dripped on green jasper laying at the foot of the cross. The two combined to become bloodstone. Although this is not how the stone came to be, it is a useful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ for us.
I feature bloodstone in the Greater Love Collection. Here, I pair the stone with branches representing the cross and the sacred heart which represents the passion Christ has for humanity. Click here to see the Greater Love Collection and here to see designs that include bloodstone.