Bloodstone, also called heliotrope is opaque, green, spotted variety of chalcedony, used for decorative carvings and cameos, the dark green of bloodstone is spotted with red, due to the presence of iron oxides. These spots resemble blood, giving the stone its name. Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, for which reason it was also dubbed the martyr's stone. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre in Paris. In middle ages, bloodstone was attributed with special powers , as the spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus Christ. 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. India is the primary source of bloodstone. it also occurs in Brazil, China and Australia. 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.
