Heliotrope stone: properties, meaning and influence on various signs of the zodiac. Heliotrope stone: its magical properties and who it suits

Blood-red inclusions characteristic of heliotrope are due to the presence of iron oxide in the stone. The color of blood spots can vary from red to brown. At the same time, stones with spots are more preferable than those with red stripes. There are inclusions of a yellowish color, then the stones are called "plasma" and are often confused with jasper.

Belongs to the family of microcrystalline quartz and is a variety of chalcedony. Its color is dark green, with characteristic blood-red inclusions. Sometimes referred to as "blood jasper" or "plasma". The color scheme goes from light green to dark and is distributed extremely unevenly. Usually dark and light zones on the surface are pronounced.

Properties and characteristics of heliotrope

It has a very characteristic appearance, besides it is marked by its unusual blood-red or yellow inclusions. The main color varies from green to green-blue, sometimes the blue tint turns into gray.

Like most stones belonging to the quartz family, heliotrope is a hard stone. Therefore, the test for its scratch resistance is essential.

Since the mineral itself is silicon dioxide, its crystal structure consists of small triangles. Sometimes confused with, but these stones are easily distinguishable due to the properties and granular composition of the latter.

It is mined for the most part in the USA, Australia, India, Brazil, China and Madagascar. There are deposits in Europe - in Germany. Recent field developments have revealed the presence of heliotrope in Scotland on the Isle of Rum.

Colors

The main color of this stone is dark green, but there are specimens of blue-green, blue-gray and even brownish. Due to inclusions of iron oxide, the heliotrope has characteristic red and sometimes yellowish spots. Since the color is not uniform, areas of dark and light tones are clearly visible on it.

It can be both transparent and opaque. Thanks to cutting and polishing, it acquires a vitreous luster, which can sometimes turn into a waxy or resinous one. For inclusions in the stone, the presence of iron oxide, chlorite is characteristic.

Processing, cutting and shape.

In most cases, they are given the shape of a cabochon, especially for small stones. Large ones are often cut differently and give them the shape of a heart, marquise or trillion, pear-shaped or free. Seals, cameos and insignia are often made from this stone.

Mostly in demand in its original form. It is not subject to coloring and does not change its dimensions due to heating. The stone is only given the necessary shape.

Gemological properties of the stone

It is silicon dioxide and has the chemical formula SiO2. Its structure is crystalline, consisting of a set of small triangles, the color varies from light green to green-blue and brownish with blood-red and occasionally yellowish patches.

Mineral of medium transparency and double refraction with an index of 1.53 to 1.54, a density of 2.58 to 2.64 and a hardness index of 6.5. Layering is uncharacteristic for heliotrope, its luster is waxy with a transition to resinous in its raw form and vitreous after cutting, it does not possess fluorescence.

Since it is a variety of quartz, the most common mineral on Earth, many stones look like it. For example, in the jewelry trade, the term "blood jasper" is used in relation to heliotrope, but the term itself is gradually falling out of commercial circulation.

The most popular varieties and similar to heliotrope are as follows:

• cat eye
• chrysoprase
• aventurine
• carnelian
• onyx

Less famous are dendritic agates, sardonyx and chrysocolla.

The rarest options include chrysoprase, blue and strawberry quartz, chalcedony.

Heliotrope is a dark green, opaque form of quartz-chalcedony with distinctive red spots. The green color is due to the presence of chlorite particles, while the red spots are caused by iron oxide. The color is somewhat variable, and some heliotrope specimens have either very small red spots or none at all.

The most famous of all heliotropes is the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II, kept in the Louvre Museum.

magical properties

The name may have come from the Greek "Helios" - the name of the Sun God. This stone is mentioned in Boccaccio's Decameron. Since it embodies heavenly fire, it is associated with the fire chakra and is able to protect its owner. However, the stone should be used with caution precisely because of the high "solar" energy.

Christians attached special importance to the mineral. According to Christian legend, when Jesus Christ was martyred, dripping blood stained the green jasper at his feet, and thus heliotrope occurred. It was widely used in sculptures representing scourging and martyrdom and was once known as the "martyr's stone".

There are also some gemmological myths associated with heliotrope. In the jewelry trade, the term "blood jasper" is sometimes used in relation to it. Many serious sources describe it as a form of green, or as containing red jasper. But according to the most authoritative sources, such as The World of Stone, the mineral is not her at all.

Zodiac sign

Heliotrope was the original birthstone for March, but was subsequently replaced by aquamarine. However, it is still regarded as an astrological talisman for Aries but also suits Taurus, Cancer and Leo. Common cuts for heliotrope are cabochons and beads. It has also traditionally been used for insignia.

The largest deposits are found in India, it is also found in Australia, Madagascar, Brazil, China and the United States. Fine examples can be hard to find on the market these days. Some believe that the reason for this shortage is that powdered heliotrope is used medicinally and as an aphrodisiac in India.

Medicinal properties

Because of its name and appearance, it has given rise to a lot of rumors. It was once believed that he was able to stop hemorrhages with a simple touch and relieve pain in the abdomen and intestines. It was also believed that it improves the nutrition of internal organs and improves blood circulation.

The heliotrope stone was highly revered in India and was widely used in healing. It was designed to relieve pain during hemorrhages, with problems of the gastrointestinal tract. It was believed that it was able to purify the blood. Christians attributed similar properties to the stone, believing that the blood of God gave it amazing healing powers.

But even if the heliotrope has healing magic, you should not rely on the stone for health problems. If they appear, it is worth visiting a doctor, because even the best stone is not able to heal, it can only maintain a psycho-emotional state and give the owner a sense of confidence.

Heliotrope Jewelry

It is very popular in the manufacture of rings for men. They also make insignia and various kinds of seals. Figurines carved from stone often adorn collections and serve religious purposes in religious temples.

This stone from the quartz family is well suited for jewelry. It is suitable for both women and men. The mineral is available and well processed, so that jewelers appreciate it.

Heliotrope should be protected from scratches, which will spoil the appearance, since there are many stones harder than it. It is better to wash it with a mild soap solution of low temperature and rinse thoroughly after the procedure, wipe it with light blotting movements with a soft cloth. The use of chemicals and household chemicals during care is contraindicated, it does not like temperature extremes.

Heliotrope jewelry should also be worn carefully. You should not leave them if you have to exercise or do household chores. For best storage, the heliotrope should be wrapped in a soft cloth and stored in an insulated box to avoid damage.

Heliotrope stone is an opaque or translucent mineral belonging to the quartz group. It is also called a bloodstone, as there are blotches on the dark green surface of the stone, the color of which resembles blood.

The meaning of the stone

An interesting legend is connected with the origin of the mineral. It is believed that when Jesus was crucified, his blood fell on the stones lying next to the cross, thus creating a heliotrope.

Ancient Christians believed that the gem had supernatural powers. For example, it was believed that he was able to cope with all diseases or make the owner invisible to others.

People who lived in the Middle Ages also did not doubt the unique properties of the gem and considered it a “stone of heroes” capable of endowing the owner with courage, strength and endurance in battle. For this reason, the mineral was often used to decorate swords and other weapons. Already in those distant times, the unique healing properties of heliotrope were known. Warriors who were wounded in battle used it to stop bleeding.

In ancient Egypt, the heliotrope was used in magical rituals that were supposed to bring military victories. It was also believed that the gem opens all the doors to the owner. A person who has chosen this stone as a talisman cannot be denied his request and is able to win over those who are endowed with power.

In ancient Greece, the heliotrope was known as a symbol of justice. The people who lived there used it to bring positive changes into their lives, as well as in cases where it was necessary to change the situation.

Who suits the heliotrope according to the zodiac sign

Heliotrope favors hard-working people, so it can be a great help in matters related to work for Cancers. At the same time, the mineral does not recognize everything that does not apply to it, therefore it will not patronize its owner in love affairs. Representatives of the beautiful half of humanity who want to achieve professional success should pay attention to earrings with this mineral. Such an ornament will become a strong amulet that will endow its owner with perseverance and courage.

Aries gem will give courage, perseverance and courage. In addition, it will be beneficial for health, as it has the ability to improve blood composition.

Pisces stone will teach you to find a way out of any, even the most difficult situations and make the right decisions. As a rule, representatives of this sign are very passive and melancholy. Heliotrope will give them confidence in their own abilities, and also make them more decisive. The properties of the mineral will be most pronounced in those who were born in the period from March 2 to March 11.

For Virgos, who are characterized by practicality and rationalism, the mineral will also become a wonderful helper. The stone will give them optimism and will contribute to success in activities related to the humanities.

Heliotrope can be a suitable talisman for many zodiac signs. However, astrologers do not recommend wearing this stone for Taurus and Leo. For scorpions, the gem is able to give peace and tranquility, but its magical properties can negatively affect their professional activities, so these people should use the mineral with caution.

Heliotrope is a great amulet for people who are related to military service. The properties of the stone will also benefit those whose activities are related to science, medicine, legislation and philosophy. The gem is especially favored by stubborn and purposeful individuals.

magical properties

There are many legends and mysteries associated with heliotrope. In ancient times, this semi-precious stone was often used in conjunction with a flower that has the same name as the mineral, to enhance spells and rituals. People practicing magic wore earrings, beads and gemstone rings. It was believed that it contributes to the development of abilities and strengthening of energy. Women used the mineral to blind men with it, while remaining invisible to them. Alchemists considered the stone to be a conductor connecting the Universe and the Earth. It was used in an effort to comprehend the mysteries of the Cosmos.

The gem was also known to Christian ministers. According to them, the heliotrope, the color of which resembles blood, was near the place where Jesus was crucified. For this reason, the gem is still used to create jewelry for clergy and items used in religious rites.

People with specific goals and perseverance to achieve them will be able to feel the magical power of the stone.

Heliotrope is capable of:

However, falling into the hands of greedy, ambitious and fanatical people, the properties of the stone will change to the opposite. Their heliotrope can deprive of reason, material wealth and spiritual values.

Medicinal properties

Heliotrope is able to have a beneficial effect on the entire body. It has the following medicinal properties:

Heliotrope in the art of feng shui

Thanks to the active use of energy by the gem, which contributes to the development of a new beginning and the strengthening of health, the stone can increase vitality and maintain the tone of the body. For this reason, it is recommended to place the heliotrope in the eastern and southeastern zones. In addition, an ideal place for a mineral will be an office, a dining room, a nursery.

Heliotrope is a semi-precious stone, so it is widely used for making jewelry. It looks most impressive in a silver frame. In addition to jewelry, interior items are made from gemstones: figurines, ashtrays and vases.

Heliotrope is an excellent talisman for energetic and purposeful people. He will be a wonderful assistant and true friend for those who seek to climb the career ladder, create their own business, increase material wealth or become a professional in their chosen field. The stone will show its strength in people who are ready to give up love for their goal. At the same time, the gem chooses a person with high moral qualities as the owner. In order to understand whether a stone will be a suitable talisman, it is enough to pick it up and listen to your feelings. If the gem radiates pleasant warmth, then it will become a good amulet that will bring health and success to its owner.

Heliotrope (translated from Greek as “turn of the sun”) is a semi-precious mineral from the chalcedony group. It has an opaque or translucent, waxy appearance, characterized by a dark greenish, bluish green or blackish greenish color with characteristic bright streaks and grains of blood red, cherry-burgundy and orange-yellow (this shade is given to it by additives from jasper). Other names for the mineral: plasma (this is the name of a stone without a reddish tint), blood-stone, Stefan's stone, blood jasper, fleshy agate or oriental jasper.

The natural shape of the stone is an octagon with unevenly broken edges or an oval, the heliotrope does not have the properties of a magnet, is not subject to the processes of pleochroism and iridescence.

Despite the high visual and real hardness, the heliotrope is quite easily deformed, but at the same time it is resistant to hydrochloric acid (although it should be kept away from chemicals).

Deposits and history of stone

The highest quality and richest natural deposits of this mineral are located in Egypt and not far from Indian Calcutta. It is also actively mined in Australia, Brazil and the United States (in Wyoming and California). The Chinese and Central Asian deposits have not completely exhausted themselves, but in Russia the Ural Mountains are the most significant place for the production of heliotrope.

This amazingly beautiful stone has been known to mankind since the time of the Ancient Roman Empire and Ancient Hellas, where, in fact, it received its “official name”, indicating how much it was revered by the locals. The heliotrope was considered a talisman worthy of emperors and pharaohs, therefore gems from the heliotrope that belonged to representatives of the royal family were often found in excavations, a number of which are still kept in the Hermitage collection.

The magical properties of heliotrope

It is difficult to find a semi-precious stone with as many mysteries and myths associated with it as with heliotrope, perhaps because it occupied a special place in the treatises of alchemists and magical practices. As a rule, it was used together with the flower of the same name to enhance the effect of secret rites and spells.

So, for example, it is well known that the ancient priests, witches and sorcerers wore jewelry with heliotrope. They believed that such a talisman would strengthen their abilities several times and strengthen their energy. This stone was also “loved” by women, who, with the help of a special spell and a stone worn on the neck or arm, blinded men, remaining invisible to them. But the gem in the form of a bat, engraved on a stone, was designed to protect its owner from any demons, giving him the strength to fight their attacks and spells.
Alchemists used it as a kind of conductor between the Universe and the Earth to learn the secrets of the Cosmos.

Christian ministers did not bypass the stone, thus recognizing its power and strength. They believed that the heliotrope was in the place where Jesus was crucified, and the brown blotches on the surface of the mineral were nothing but the blood of the Savior who suffered for the faith. That is why the stone was actively used and is used to decorate the decorations of the clergy and accessories for various ceremonies and rituals.

The healing properties of the stone

Many ancient medical treatises over the centuries have repeatedly recorded evidence praising the ability of the mineral to literally instantly stop any kind of bleeding. The properties of the coagulant provide the mineral with the presence of iron in it, more precisely, its oxide, by the way, the first written data testifying to the ability of the heliotrope to cleanse the blood and kidneys of toxins and toxins were registered by Mesopotamian physicians around the 3rd century BC. BC.

Then, this fact was confirmed in the XVI century. Monardes, who talked about how the Spaniards and the natives of New Spain cut the stone in the form of a heart to use it as a powerful cure for bleeding and open wounds. The strongest effect was achieved when the stone was moistened with cold water and allowed to be held by the patient with the right hand, from time to time lowering it into cold water.

But the healers of Medieval Europe and the Middle East added crushed heliotrope to honey or egg white. This mixture was applied to tumors, hemorrhages and snake bites, and, according to Alfonso Granilny, such a drug cleared the abscess from putrefactive processes in just a day. This is due to the fact that the powdered form of the mineral has extreme dryness and high temperature, and this quickly dries out all the secretions on the wounds, incl. and pus. He also wrote that even looking at a stone could help correct eye diseases.

Lithotherapy

Modern scientists, experts in the field of lithotherapy, attribute a wider range of properties to the heliotrope. They believe that the mineral really has powerful energy, affecting the cardiovascular tissues, accelerating their metabolic processes and saturating them with useful substances, and in patients with metabolic disorders and atherosclerosis, the application of heliotrope enhances the supply of nutrients to all organs.

Heliotrope has a strong positive effect on the immune system, stimulating its work, especially in the presence of any infectious diseases, helps in the treatment of genitourinary problems, anesthetizes the course of the menstrual cycle, cleanses the bladder and kidneys of toxins and toxins, and also stimulates the functioning of the digestive tract. It is recommended to use it for intestinal poisoning and, as before, to cleanse the circulatory system and treat hematopoietic processes, increase the amount of hemoglobin.

Very often, the mineral is used in the treatment of psychological problems, for example, the so-called psychological infertility, as well as in severe depressive states, stress and overexertion of the body. It is often referred to as the "mother's stone" because heliotrope helps build bond between a mother and her child.

The meaning of the signs of the zodiac

Astrologers also endow this mineral with quite strong properties, associating it with three celestial planets at once - Venus, Saturn and the Moon (which, oddly enough, runs counter to its name "solar"). Heliotrope helps to develop tolerance, calmness and tolerance in people, helping them achieve their goals and objectives, but at the same time, the stone is quite capable of making a real fanatic out of a person, moreover, in any field.

The mineral is ideal for Cancer and Sagittarius, helping them to “correctly” build their careers and develop professionally and personally, but at the same time, its strong energy, acting only in this direction, can harm these signs in love relationships.

In Aries, the heliotrope develops creativity, stimulating the generation of new thoughts, allowing you to become pioneers and inventors in many areas and undertakings.

Signs such as Leo and Taurus are not recommended to wear heliotrope - their vitality is enough to do without the help of this mineral. Scorpions can wear a talisman with a heliotrope, but at the same time remember that a stone can calm down an aggressive beginning, which will be very useful in communicating with family members, but at the same time it can be very harmful in a career, therefore, you need to choose the “golden mean”.

Heliotrope in the art of feng shui

The stone actively uses the energy of the development of a new beginning, growth, health, which allows you to increase the vitality of people, keep them in the necessary tone. That is why green heliotrope pebbles are best used in the nursery, in the dining room and in the office in the southeastern and eastern areas of the premises, which are responsible for family well-being and prosperity.

The use of stone in modern life

The mineral belongs to the category of semi-precious stones that have been actively used and are being used in the jewelry industry. It is used to create spectacular pendants, luxurious amulets, chic beads, earrings and other women's and men's jewelry, combined with silver, with which this stone begins to "play" with new facets.

Decorative household items are made from it - gift ashtrays, small vases, key rings, rosaries, figurines. The real art is the ability to use the natural pattern of the stone to the maximum.

Summing up, it can be noted that the heliotrope is a truly unique stone, carrying a “train” of myths and legends. Use its properties for its intended purpose, and you will see that your life will change for the better.

The heliotrope stone can hardly be called a gem. It is an opaque, rather nondescript in appearance and somewhat gloomy dark green mineral of the quartz group. Its distinguishing feature is red and yellow-brown spots (sometimes stripes), resembling drops and even streams of long-frozen blood.

In the English tradition since the time of the Celtic druid magicians, this mineral is called: bloodstone(blood-stone). The name clearly and clearly reflects the eerie appearance of the heliotrope.

From here comes another name for the stone, which spread in medieval Europe - "the stone of St. Stephen." This name reflects a dramatic event that took place almost two thousand years ago.

St Stephen's Stone

Around the year 33, shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, one of the first preachers of Christianity, Deacon Stephen, was killed in Jerusalem. The crowd threw stones at the adherent of the new faith. Church tradition ranks the deceased preacher among the holy apostles.

In the medieval cathedrals of Catholic Europe, erected in memory of the first martyr, “the same” stones with indelible stains of the gore of the unfortunate Stephen were demonstrated. These were heliotropes brought by the Crusaders from the East. Even now they are kissed by simple-minded pilgrims.

The canonical images of the martyr also contain blood-stained stones. They lie on the shoulders, in the folds of clothing and at the feet of the saint.

This statue of St. Stefan with a weighty heliotrope in her hand was installed in the ancient cathedral of the ancient Italian town of Assisi, in the homeland of another famous saint - Francis of Assisi, the founder of the powerful Franciscan order.

This photo is probably one of the last images of the statue. Two powerful earthquakes that occurred in the province of Perugia in 2016 destroyed the cathedral and many other structures.

Stephen the First Martyr of Jerusalem is also revered by the Orthodox Church. His relics are kept in the Exaltation of the Cross Church at the entrance to the underground labyrinths of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Another piece of the relics of St. Stephen - among the sacred relics of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra (Sergiev Posad, Moscow region).

Eastern curiosity

Until the 17th century, the heliotrope rarely fell within the Moscow state. Merchants and travelers brought it from the eastern regions. Its nearest deposit is located in Uzbekistan, near Bukhara.

The curiosity was mistaken for a variety and was called "oriental jasper", "blood jasper", and more often simply "bloody stone" or even shorter - "bloody". It should be said that much earlier, for such a resemblance to stains of gore, another mineral was called "bloody" - hematite, iron ore reddish-red from rust.

Bloodstones terrestrial and space

Interestingly, the surface of Mars is abundantly strewn with hematite-bloodstone. This fact was confirmed by the NASA rovers. Unlike heliotrope stone, hematite has magnetic properties.

It was this mineral, reflecting the sun's rays, that gave rise to call Mars the Red Planet. True, there the ore is somewhat different from the earth's in chemical composition.

Because of this bloody color, ancient observers and ancient astrologers associated the planet with the name of the god of war.

Why heliotrope?

But let us return to the Greek name of the subject of our story. Translated from the language of Homer, the heliotrope means “the one that turns after Helios (the Sun).” That is what Pliny calls it in his description (I century AD), referring to even more ancient authors.

It is difficult for an uninitiated person to understand what served as the basis for this strange name for a motionless stone.

However, Pliny also mentions a fragrant flower called heliotrope. Its purple blossoms do indeed turn during the day, following the movement of the sun, like the well-known sunflower.

Solstice stone magic

Ancient magicians invested in the name of this stone not a direct, but a sacred meaning. Some of the old manuals for achieving consciousness transformation are sparingly mentioning that the great sorcerers of the past used heliotrope as " solstice stone allowing them to manipulate time in an incomprehensible way.

These sorcerous manipulations are available to wizards of the highest order, almost nothing is known about them.

Heliotrope alive and dead

In magical practices, both heliotropes - a mineral and a plant - represent an amazing symbiosis of living and dead matter.

Interestingly, at the beginning of the 20th century, the essence of heliotrope was extremely popular in men's perfumes, shaving ointments, and colognes. French perfumers claimed that this smell is an old love spell that has an irresistible effect on women.

Heliotrope Ring

And the heliotrope stone is still popular as a stylish men's jewelry and a powerful amulet.

Black magic bloodstone

To other signs of the Zodiac, the stone can be indifferent, but it can also reveal its qualities. It is better to find out its compatibility with the future owner in advance. Having decided to purchase a heliotrope, order your lithohoroscope.

Astrologers warn: if the blood of ancestors who were once engaged in magical practices flows in your veins, the heliotrope amulet can behave unpredictably. For example, a stone can cause strange dreams, voices speaking in an unfamiliar language. People who have been subjected to such magical effects of heliotrope often experience a feeling of deja vu: in completely unfamiliar places, they realize that they have been here before, and the situations they find themselves in have already happened in a past life.

Medicinal properties

Heliotrope, like any stone, is naturally endowed with a certain effect on the human body. By its very appearance, the mineral hints at the properties of the stone to establish contact with the circulatory system and its most important organ - the heart. With ointments with crushed heliotrope, Indian healers stop bleeding, while influencing the whole mineral in the form of pyramids on the heart chakra.

For therapeutic manipulations, heliotropes mined in India and China are especially good, especially those specimens that for some time served as attributes of the offices and clinics of oriental doctors.

In accordance with the purpose, the stones are given a certain shape, magical symbols are applied to the surface.

In the hands of experienced lithotherapists, the mineral is able to heal the initial manifestations of varicose veins. The procedure uses alternately heated and cooled stone plates, which are used to massage swollen veins.

It is noticed that in this case the mineral has a positive effect on the stabilization of hemoglobin levels in the circulatory system.

In the room of a person suffering from leukemia, it is recommended to place some decorative object carved from heliotrope - a vase, a figurine, a rosary.

In some practices, heliotrope is used to treat gastrointestinal inflammation.

Heliotrope is a mineral of the quartz group, painted in dark green color. Various impurities form red, yellow-brown spots on the surface. The origin of the name is connected with the Greek words meaning "sun", "turn". In English - Heliotrope. In the people, the stone is also called bloody, Stefan, oriental jasper, bloody jasper, red agate.

Based on the nature of the impurities, the stone has inclusions of different colors. Most often, the composition contains quartz, chalcedony, agate, iron oxide.

Plasma is considered the only subspecies of heliotrope - a type of chalcedony with a fibrous structure and no hematite admixture.

Chemical composition

The composition of the mineral is silicon oxide.

Chemical formula: SiO 2.

Syngony: cryptocrystalline.

Physical Properties

• Gloss: matte, waxy. After polishing becomes glassy.
• Color: most often, dark green interspersed with yellow, orange, red, brown shades. The color of each sample is not uniform: dark and light spots may be present on it.
• Fracture: uneven.
• Group: quartz.
• Class: semi-precious.
• Mohs hardness: 7.
• Specific gravity: 2.5 – 2.6 g/cm³
• Structure: opaque.
• There are no magnetic properties.
• Resistant to hydrochloric acid.
• Sensitive to mechanical influences such as shocks, scratches.
• Refraction: up to 1.5 units.
• Melting point: up to 1700°С

Mining

Heliotrope is a rock of volcanic origin. It arises in the voids of lava, the hot stream of which flows down the slopes of the mountain and cools down when it comes into contact with water. Geologists discover mineral deposits near active volcanoes or in their ancient locations.

Until the 17th century, heliotrope was imported to the Russian state exclusively from the East and was considered as a variety of jasper. Therefore, it was called eastern, bloody jasper; bloody. Prior to this, the last name belonged to hematite - red-brown, similar in color to gore, iron ore.

The main modern mineral deposits are located in Calcutta, Egypt, Brazil, Australia, California, Wyoming, Central Asia, and China. In Russia, the mining of the mineral takes place in the Ural Mountains.

The last discovered field is on the Scottish island of Rum.

History, mythology

Several legends are associated with the origin of the bloodstone.

According to one of them, he appeared from the drops of Christ's blood that fell to the ground at Golgotha.

In another version, it was not the blood of Jesus that was imprinted on simple cobblestones, but the preacher of Christianity, Stephen, whom unbelievers stoned in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion of Christ.

The mention of the mineral is found in the annals of Mesopotamia. Ancient scientists were convinced that he was able to control the natural elements, and called him "Babylonian".

Occult teachings suggested boiling the heliotrope so that the vapors released by it could hide the sun.

Areas of use

The main area of ​​​​application of the mineral is jewelry and handicrafts. Jewelry, interior items, church paraphernalia are made from it. A distinctive feature of the products is their low cost.

Zodiac sign

Astrologically, the heliotrope is associated with several planets at once: the Moon, Venus and Saturn. Hence its duality: as it contributes to the state of balance in its owner, it can do harm; helps to achieve the goal, but it acts exactly the opposite if the owner's aspirations reach fanaticism.

• Virgo, Sagittarius and Cancer, heliotrope helps to move up the career ladder and grow as a person, but it can interfere with personal happiness.
• In Aries, wearing this stone as an amulet stimulates the birth of new ideas.
• Scorpios need to use the talisman with caution: it will reduce their natural aggressiveness, but it can interfere with career and sports success.

Medicinal properties

Lithotherapists have always considered the heliotrope a special healing stone, associating it with blood and its effect on its properties. Thus, the famous 17th-century scientist Robert Boyle, in his Essay on the Origin and Power of Precious Stones, mentions a gentleman who was worried about constant nosebleeds. The scientist sent him a heliotrope, advising him to wear it as a pendant; and while the patient was doing this, the affliction receded. But when he took it off, there was a relapse. At the same time, there was a case with a lady who lost consciousness from blood loss and came to her senses only thanks to the heliotrope. Boyle concluded that in these cases the bleeding stopped due to the cold surface of the mineral.

Modern lithotherapists note the positive effect of blood jasper energy on the entire body. It is used for:

• treatment of the cardiovascular system;
• saturation of tissues with useful elements;
• regulation of metabolism;
• maintaining immunity in viral diseases;
• treatment of atherosclerosis;
• relieving menstrual pain;
• cleansing the liver, intestines, bladder;
• improvement of the condition in diseases of the urinary tract, gynecological diseases, intoxication of the body;
• treatment of psychological infertility, depression and nervous tension;
• stop bleeding, increase hemoglobin levels;
• restoration of lost strength, consciousness. For this, the mineral is respected by athletes, whom it helps to maintain strength, maintain composure and concentration.

Heliotrope has a calming effect on the owner: it eliminates fears, anxiety, and regulates sleep.

Considering the mineral is useful for eye diseases. Its green color has a positive effect on vision, relieves fatigue.

With snake bites, the venom can be neutralized with blood jasper powder mixed with honey. The same recipe is effective for tumors, purulent abscesses.

magical properties

From time immemorial, heliotrope has been valued as a special stone of alchemists and magicians, who attributed to him the gift of making the sun blood-red, causing natural disasters. An old treatise by Damigeron notes that it can be used to predict the weather.

In the papyri of Ancient Egypt there is information about the greatest talisman - the heliotrope, the owner of which can have everything he wants. The Egyptians endowed him with the ability to open all doors and tear down walls.

Ancient Greek and Roman emperors revered it as a strong amulet and were in awe of it. There was a belief that if a dove was carved on a heliotrope, such a talisman would make a sick person - healthy, cruel - soft, unhappy - happy.

Medieval magicians tried to enhance their energy by constantly wearing rings and bracelets with bloody jasper. Alchemists believed that with its help they would know the Universe, considering the mineral to be a conductor of energy between the Earth and the Cosmos.

In Dante's poem "The Divine Comedy" it is mentioned that the stone can protect against poisoning and grant its owner invisibility.

The Christian Church considered the mineral as a material for decorating and creating church paraphernalia: bowls, vessels, candlesticks, crosses. The favor of the clergy to the stone was explained by the identification of red spots on it with the blood of Christ.

Wearing bloody jasper, according to magicians, makes a person more active, energetic, helps to concentrate on overcoming obstacles, solving complex problems; develops abilities for psychology and philosophy, foreign languages, medical sciences.

Those who, with the help of a talisman, decide to gain power and satisfaction of their ambitions, risk losing their minds and losing their property.

Heliotrope is not suitable as an amulet for lazy and indecisive people. He promises them only resentment and disappointment.

It is also interesting that the mineral will help only in light magic, good undertakings. If its owner says evil words to the enemy, sends a curse, then it can turn against him. Out of ignorance, a person can jinx himself. This is the other side of the heliotrope.

Decorations

Jewelers use this semi-precious stone not only to make jewelry, but also to create various items - bowls, boxes, ashtrays, etc. There are several Faberge eggs made from this material. One of the copies with a carved silhouette of the cruiser "Memory of Azov" is stored in the Armory of the Moscow Kremlin.

The faceted mineral is found in rings, earrings, brooches, and pendants. It looks especially impressive in a frame made of:

• silver;
• brass;
• gland;
• nickel-plated steel.

These metals help enhance its action.

Products made of bloody jasper are very massive and rude, for an amateur. But they always look great.

Among men in the 17th - 19th centuries, large signet rings with a heliotrope insert with a family coat of arms carved on its surface were popular. Such jewelry was carefully kept as a family treasure and passed down from generation to generation. The most interesting specimens are in large private collections.

Such jewelry is notable for its low cost, with the exception of stones formed in ancient times.

The price of an ancient mineral increases several times: taking into account the jewelry work and the brand, a set of necklace and bracelet can cost about $2,000.

Every month, the stone needs to be “discharged” and “charged” with energy at least once. To do this, he is kept under a stream of cool water, getting rid of the accumulated negative energy. Then they leave it in direct sunlight, thereby charging with the energy of the sun.

domestic use

By itself, the heliotrope is not used for domestic purposes. Products from it are popular. Beautiful and unusual boxes, bowls, vases, ashtrays, figurines look great in the interior. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, this mineral synthesizes the positive energy of growth, vitality. Therefore, it is recommended to keep products from it in the nursery, study and living room in the southeastern and eastern zones, which are responsible for success and family well-being.

stone and name

There is no exact data on the correspondence to the names. According to one version, the bloodstone is most suitable for people with names: Vadim, Peter, Sergey, Irina, Daria, Ekaterina.

Compatibility with other stones

Experts talk about enhancing the properties of heliotrope next to rock crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, pearls, blue sapphire, blue agate.

Unfavorable is the compatibility of the stone with beryl, aquamarine, opal, moonstone, coral.

Differences from a fake

Heliotrope is not often faked, it is not very popular with a wide range of people. You can prove its naturalness by hardness: a fake will be easily scratched. Another way is to heat the needle and try to pierce the mineral: the natural one will not be affected.

Often, not a real heliotrope is offered for purchase: there are many varieties of quartz in nature, and if you do not know its features, you can easily confuse it with another mineral of the same group.

stone care

Masters use heliotrope for ornamental purposes. Faceted, it looks spectacular in women's and men's rings, beads, earrings, bracelets. Despite sufficient hardness, it is better to handle it with care: do not drop it, do not scratch it.

Clean the stone and products with it with a weak solution of cool water and soap. Then rinse under a thin stream and blot with a napkin or delicate cloth.

Jewelers do not recommend polishing with chemical agents: this can spoil the surface of the stone and deprive it of its shine. It is also not recommended to wear it with sudden changes in temperature.