Heliotrope stone: photo, properties, meaning, who is it suitable for?

The ancient Greeks attributed to it the ability to turn the sun.
Otherwise they called it the stone of the sun. Translated from Greek, “helios” means sun, and “trope” means turn. But, as we know, a stone cannot turn our star. But a flower, also called heliotrope, follows the “turn” of the sun during the day, or rather, constantly turns towards the sun. Heliotrope is otherwise called bloodstone because of the red flecks on its dark green surface. In some countries, such a stone is called Stephen's stone, or the stone of Christ. Both names are associated with blood - in the first case of the First Martyr Stephen, and in the second - of Christ the Savior.

It is sometimes called "blood jasper". But it has nothing to do with jasper. Heliotropes can have different colors, depending on the inclusions, which create amazing fantastic pictures, which is probably why it got its name.

Heliotropes with yellow inclusions are called plasma. The base color of heliotrope is dark green or blue-green, and the color can be as dark as almost black. The stone has a waxy or resinous luster, and a well-polished one has a vitreous luster.

Heliotrope is one of the opaque varieties of quartz. The stone contains admixtures of chalcedony crystals, iron oxides, celadonite, chlorite...

Red and green shades are created by iron oxides. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 6.5-7 units. With such hardness, the stone is quite fragile.

Heliotrope deposits

Heliotrope deposits are located in India, Egypt, Russia (Ural Mountains), America, Australia, and there are small deposits in Brazil and China.

Origin of the mineral: features of its formation

Like most quartz, heliotrope is a mineral of volcanic origin. The formation of stone occurs in effusive - lava flows.

The main conditions for its birth are: low temperatures and water. Magma erupting from volcanoes has a temperature of several thousand degrees.

The moment it flows down the slopes of volcanoes and comes into contact with water, the temperature drops sharply. At these moments, heliotropes are formed in its voids.

This is why stones are often found on coastlines near volcanoes, or where there used to be active volcanoes.

But the gem is formed not only in lava. Hydrothermal veins located in areas of volcanic activity are also suitable for its formation.

Where is heliotrope mined?

Deposits of the mineral are found near active and extinct volcanoes. The gem is of volcanic origin; the rock was formed in places where hot lava met water on its way.

In Russia, decorative and semi-precious stone is mined in the Urals . Historical deposits are located in India and Egypt, but their reserves are coming to an end. In addition to Russia, raw materials for jewelers are mined in the USA and Australia. Brazil and some Central Asian countries mine bloodstone in small quantities, providing the domestic market with jewelry raw materials.

Features of the stone: history, meaning and deposits

This amazing stone has become known to the world since the times of Ancient Hellas and the Ancient Roman Empire, where it received its “official name”, clearly indicating that it was held in special esteem by local residents.

This mineral has many more names due to the fact that it was found in different territories:

Blood Stone. Stains on its surface, reminiscent of blood, fill it with a special, even mystical meaning.
Jasper of the East or bloodstone. The stone received such names in the jewelry trade due to its resemblance to jasper due to inclusions of red color, although it is not jasper.
Stone plasma. It is remarkable and interesting that this gem was discovered not only on Earth, but also on Mars. It is hematite that makes this planet red. But significant differences were also identified in the chemical components of the plasma of Mars from components of terrestrial origin.
Red or meat agate.
Babylonian stone. The origin of this name goes back to ancient times and is associated with the history of Babylon.
Stefan stone. The stone received this name after Deacon Stefan was beaten to death with stones flying from the hands of an unbelieving crowd. It is generally accepted that the bloody formations on the stone are the undying memory of the first great martyr.

Main conclusions

Natural heliotrope has a bright appearance. It combines dark green and red shades, while the presence of stripes and inclusions on the stones is always different. The mineral has a rich history - since ancient times it has been used by magicians and was highly valued by jewelers and clergy. Main properties of the stone:

heals the body and saturates it with energy, improves the functioning of the circulatory system;
helps to recover from illnesses and protects against negative influences from the outside;
gives determination and perseverance in achieving what is planned, develops leadership abilities;
natural stone can be used in meditative practices, as a powerful talisman and amulet.

A natural mineral requires proper use and combination with other minerals. To increase the life of your jewelry, do not expose it to mechanical stress and periodically clean it in soapy water.

Share your impressions of this unusual stone and leave feedback in the comments.

Heliotrope: appearance and physical and chemical properties

Varieties and colors of the mineral

It is impossible to describe this mineral in one word: on its surface there is a huge number of various multi-colored inclusions.

The most common is dark green (bluish-green, black-green) bloodstone with blood-red, orange-yellow, cherry-burgundy and blue spots. A type of stone with yellow inclusions is called plasma.

The stone has an opaque or translucent, waxed appearance.

The natural shape of the stone is an octagon with characteristic unevenly broken edges, or an oval.

All stones are original and unique, since natural rock does not have a single color, nor does it have a similar arrangement of impurities.

Physical properties

The gem, despite its fairly high visual hardness, is a fragile stone that is subject to mechanical damage and is easily deformed. The hardness of the stone is up to 7 units.

The melting point of the mineral is 17000. The normal structure density is from 2.64. The refraction of a light beam is up to 1.5 units.

Chemical properties

From a chemical point of view, bloodstone is silicon dioxide with inclusions of hematite, which is the reason for the presence of bright red spots against a generally dark background.

Numerous inclusions of celadonite are responsible for the main green color. The color of the mineral is unstable and may lose its original saturation with prolonged exposure to sunlight. The polished gem has a very beautiful glass luster.

Bloodstone is heterogeneous in its components:

quartz from fine grains;
the presence of chalcedony formations;
agate;
the presence of iron oxide and hydroxide derivatives in the mineral.

Heliotrope is resistant to hydrochloric acid, but it is still recommended to keep it away from chemical reagents.

Varieties

If heliotrope contains inclusions of yellow and whitish color (and not red), then such a mineral is called plasma.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

Note : green jasper and vesuvian are also called plasma. But these are the subtleties of mineralogy and trade names of minerals. And there is a lot of controversy among specialists about these subtleties...

What is important to us? Plasma is more expensive than “ordinary” heliotrope. But not significantly.

Magical properties of bloodstone

There have been real legends about the magical properties of heliotrope since the day it was first discovered. Both magicians and alchemists immediately fell in love with him. It was customary to wear the stone in combination with a flower, which is also called “Heliotrope”.

Mages believed that such a unique combination greatly enhanced the effect of any ritual, and the spell became indestructible.

Sorcerers constantly carried it with them, believing that it increased their energy potential. Alchemists used it, wanting to unravel all the secrets of the universe.

The Egyptians considered it a stone that could open any door. There was an opinion that no one could refuse the owner of this gem anything, since wearing the mineral, a person could gain the favor of the rulers, be charged with additional energy and perseverance in order to achieve success in any business.

In the Middle Ages, it was generally believed that the Babylonian Stone was capable of neutralizing the effects of poisons on the body, and if a special, secret spell was cast, then with its help a person could become invisible.

If a bat-shaped gem was engraved on the stone, it was believed that it protected the owner of the stone from demonic influence and gave him the strength to fight spells and attacks from magicians.

This beautiful stone and the church did not deprive of attention.

The clergy believed that the stone was found at the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the brown spots on it were nothing more than the blood of the Savior, who gave his life for eternal faith.

Today, these beliefs are a thing of the past, but the stone is still widely used in the interiors of churches: bowls for rituals, candlesticks and other church elements are made from it.

Nowadays, heliotrope can be worn by an ordinary person, far from both magic and the church. It is still generally accepted that the stone helps motivated people achieve their goals and increase their self-esteem.

It allows you to best concentrate on one task and complete it successfully.

The gem also pushes a person to constant self-improvement and self-development, awakens in him a thirst for knowledge. Most often, the stone has such an effect on those who are interested in medicine, science, philosophy, linguistics and psychology.

There is also an opinion that constantly wearing a stone can have the opposite effect, which can manifest itself in fanaticism for work, study, faith or magic.

You can even come across such a version that a person simply becomes a fan of his work so much that it can lead to clouding of reason. Therefore, this stone is not recommended to be worn constantly.

It is believed that the stone can punish its owner because, for example, he has a desire to harm someone.

Heliotrope - an amulet for professions

As an amulet, the stone is suitable for people of the following professions:

Priests, magicians, esotericists, alchemists, shamans, healers. The stone has a strong energetic connection with the forces of nature. It awakens the best emotions and thoughts in people, allows them to get rid of the worldly and direct their energy to creation.
Psychologists, medical workers, philosophers. With such a talisman, the secrets of the universe and the universe are revealed to people; the stone promotes self-development and self-improvement, and gives worldly wisdom.
People of creative professions. A heliotrope amulet awakens all dormant talents, skills, and creativity. It makes it easy to discover new facets of yourself and gain inspiration, develop original ideas and a creative way of thinking. The stone promotes the development of intelligence, increases physical and mental activity, supports in moments of despair and gives hope.
Managers, entrepreneurs and businessmen. The talisman sets the owner up for constant professional growth and movement towards the goal, gives concentration, nourishes strength, gives perseverance and courage. I attribute to him the ability to provide support in difficult situations and the ability to strengthen financial well-being.
Military. The stone adds masculinity, determination and purposefulness, and promotes success in business. During military campaigns and campaigns, it will cure accidental wounds and protect you from harm.

According to the Taoist philosophical system of Feng Shui, the positive, creative Yang energy of this mineral makes it a welcome guest in any home. The stone symbolizes family well-being, protects against negative energy, increases vitality, brings abundance, and keeps you in physical tone. In the interior of the house, it is customary to place heliotrope products (vases, boxes, decorative figurines, ashtrays, bowl compositions) on the eastern side of the living quarters.

The healing properties of heliotrope

A large number of ancient treatises contain information that heliotrope can almost instantly stop any bleeding.

The mineral contains some amount of iron (iron oxide), so in the very first records that were made by Mesopotamian physicians around the 3rd century BC. There is information that the gem is able to cleanse the blood and kidneys of waste and toxins.

This fact was confirmed a little later (this happened in the 16th century) by Monardes, who said that the indigenous people of New Spain gave the stone a heart-shaped cut in order to use it as an effective remedy for bleeding and open wounds.

The greatest effect was achieved when the stone was moistened with cold water, and then placed in the patient’s right hand, and after a certain period of time, the stone was again lowered into cold water.

Healers in the Middle East and Medieval Europe added crushed minerals to egg whites or honey. This unusual mixture was applied to tumors, hemorrhages, and snake bites.

This remedy effectively cleared abscesses from putrefactive processes in just one day of use. It was believed that looking closely at this gem would also help cope with eye diseases.

Modern scientists working in the field of lithotherapy attribute a wider range of properties to the stone.

It is generally accepted that the mineral really has powerful energy and is capable of influencing the cardiovascular system, accelerating metabolic processes in the body, saturating the tissues of the heart and blood vessels with useful substances.

It is recommended to apply heliotrope to all organs and patients who suffer from atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders.

Blood stone has a positive effect on the immune system, stimulating the functioning of the body's immune systems.

Helps in the treatment of the genitourinary system, has an analgesic effect during the menstrual cycle in women, cleanses the kidneys and bladder of waste and toxins, and has a beneficial effect on the activity of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

And today the mineral is recommended to be used for intestinal poisoning, to cleanse the circulatory system, treat hematopoietic processes, and also to increase hemoglobin.

The stone is often used to get rid of problems of a psychological nature, for example, psychological infertility, as well as for stress, overexertion of the body, and frequent depressive states.

Heliotrope is also called the “mother’s stone”, as it has the ability to help improve the relationship between a mother and her child.

Who is this stone suitable for?

Which zodiac signs can wear heliotrope?

Astrologers have their own opinions regarding the question of who this stone is suitable for and who is categorically not recommended to wear it. Scientists associate this stone with three celestial planets at once: Venus, Saturn and the Moon.

It is believed that Cancers and Sagittarius are ideally compatible with this stone. Can wear the stone: Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

The stone is not suitable for the following zodiac signs: Taurus and Leo .

Each sign can receive its own individual quality from the stone, which will not be similar to others:

Sagittarius , for example, will be able to gain spiritual perfection, logic of thinking, caution and determination.
Cancers will find happiness and harmony in their personal lives. They will look for a compromise in all disputes and will stop looking for reasons for another discord.
Aries will have the opportunity to actively develop their mental abilities and will experience a real craving for science, experiments, and research. All their plans and undertakings will be brought to their logical conclusion.

Under the influence of this stone, Scorpios lose their aggressiveness, excessive assertiveness, and become softer and more gentle.

Whose name suits the stone?

The influence of the stone on the fate of a person by his name has not been revealed, so the only thing you should pay attention to is the recommendations given by astrologers.

Compatibility of zodiac signs

Astrological properties have been studied by scientists. They checked how heliotrope affects the constellations and who it is suitable for. Heliotrope has a zodiac sign that can be considered a favorite, there are simply signs that are different in compatibility, and those for which the gem is contraindicated.

Zadiac sign	Positive abilities of the mineral	Negative qualities
Sagittarius	Helps change the emotional sphere of the owner. The violent temper and harsh character characteristic of the sign will begin to change. Sagittarians will stop quickly abandoning their plans, find a profession they like, and build a career.	It makes it difficult to find your other half and start a family. Relationships with the opposite sex will be almost impossible.
Aries	It will help you break away from naivety. The owner will not feel sorry for himself. The owner can easily cope with feelings, begin to control emotions and gain self-confidence. Talisman for people of creative specialties.	It will add love and sensuality to the owner, but will begin to confuse true and false relationships. Confusion can make the owner a ladies' man.
Cancers	Creative owners of stones will become less melancholic. Cancers gain confidence, activity, and optimism. The stone is a talisman for businessmen and people associated with economic professions.	Dooms you to loneliness, divorce and quarrels with friends. Love will remain on the sidelines, far from the owner of the gem.
Lions	They get confused in matters, bring nervousness and confusion.
Taurus	Helps you become a philosopher.	Brings into life laziness and the desire to reason rather than work.
Scorpion	Calms, relieves aggression and irritation.	Makes a person unemotional, passive and sad.

The compatibility of the mineral, according to astrologers, is found among the signs of three planets and cosmic bodies: Venus, Saturn, and the Moon.

A gem that turns the celestial body makes the owner a winner over himself, events and health. Changes in fate can be felt by a person who does not believe in magic. The power of natural formations has passed through centuries; it is ridiculous and pointless to dispute the experience of entire generations. It is better to buy and test for yourself the power and healing properties of the gem.

5/5 — (2 votes)

Talismans and amulets, jewelry with bloodstone and other uses of the stone

The ornamental material of the gem becomes the basis for creating numerous forms of jewelry.

Among the jewelry made from natural wood, the following are very popular: bracelets, earrings, men's rings and women's rings, spectacular pendants, luxurious amulets and beads.

Very often, the stone is included in silver items, where it gets the opportunity to “sparkle” with new facets.

Very often, interior decorative elements are made from this stone: ashtrays, figurines, key chains, small vases.

Jewelers in each product try to reveal as much as possible the pattern that was created by nature itself. Unique designs, symbols, seals and coats of arms are created on cabochons.

Heliotrope - processing technologies

The stone can be easily processed, tumbled, cut, and polished. The mineral is used to make jewelry, interior items (vases, flowerpots, figurines, boxes), church paraphernalia and household items (bowls, fonts, boxes, ashtrays, etc.).

Currently, the popularity of heliotrope as inserts in jewelry has decreased. However, antique jewelry - sets, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, signet rings with the family coat of arms, brooches, cameos, pendants and pendants are still highly valued by antique dealers and collectors: exclusive items preserve memory and history.

Products and jewelry made from heliotrope are kept in famous museums around the world - the Louvre, the Hermitage, and the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. In temples and churches, heliotropes are found in icon frames, ritual clothes of priests, and minerals are inlaid into church utensils.

One of the famous Faberge eggs is made of “oriental jasper”.

How to care for products with heliotrope?

Despite the fact that the stone is quite hard, it must be stored in special boxes where it will be protected from mechanical damage.

Mechanical stress can lead to loss of its original appearance.

Cleaning and care rules:

Items should be washed in a mild soap solution or with shampoo made from natural ingredients.
After thorough rinsing, the product must be passed through a stream of clean water.
Jewelry and talismans should be wiped with light touches of a soft cloth.
Do not rub the stone with napkins.

It is also necessary to remember that any household chemicals can damage the outer layer of jewelry and reduce its pearlescent shine.

The stone is also susceptible to sudden temperature changes, so it is not recommended to wear it when visiting a bathhouse or sauna. The gem may chip, crack or become cloudy.

In order to refresh a slightly tarnished stone, it is recommended to rinse it in a solution of water and ammonia. To prepare the solution, just dilute one teaspoon of ammonia in a glass of water.

Heliotrope in the art of feng shui

The gem restores the energy flow of development, generation, health and growth. This stone increases vitality and resistance to adversity.

Feng Shui practitioners recommend placing home furnishings and heliotrope galaxies in areas of prosperity and family well-being. This means they should be placed on the east or southeast side of the office, dining room or children's room.

How to distinguish real heliotrope from a fake?

They rarely attempt to counterfeit this stone. This semi-precious breed is not very popular, its prices are low, and the number of goods presented is quite enough to satisfy existing demands. But, in order to protect yourself from counterfeiting, you need to remember the following main points:

The original gem has a hard surface. A fake, on the contrary, can be easily scratched with a regular needle.

Bloodstone is not afraid of high temperatures, so to make sure that the stone is real, you need to heat the needle and try to pierce the stone with it. If the attempt was successful, we can say with confidence that this is a fake.

Heliotrope is often confused with green jasper. In this case, the stones can only be distinguished from each other using a microscope. The gem consists of chalcedony, which has a fibrous structure. This is its fundamental difference from jasper, which has a fine-grained structure.

Story

European sages and scientists considered heliotrope “their stone.”

In the “Lapidarium” of Marbod of Rennes it is written about heliotrope:

“...He brings rain from the sky and destroys clear weather,
And he can predict something about future affairs,
He decorates those to whom he is given with praises and good rumors,
And preserves them unharmed throughout life.
It drives away poisons and calms the flow of blood,
And the one who plans to wear this stone will not be deceived.”

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

Interesting : the Louvre exhibits a heliotrope seal that belonged to the alchemist emperor Rudolf II.

About the Sun, the Blood of Christ and the First Martyr Stephen

We find the first mention of heliotrope in Pliny in his Natural History.

The stone received its name from the combination of the Greek words hēlios (Sun) and tropos (turn, direction). One who turns towards the sun or with the sun.

But in Christian Europe they believed that the blood of Jesus Christ fell on the stone, and they called the gem a bloody one. Another Christian name is the stone of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen.

Expert opinion

Semenishcheva Polina

Specialist in mineralogy. Graduated from St. Petersburg Mining University.

For your information : Stephen was condemned by the Sanhedrin and stoned (stoned) for preaching Christianity. And, by the way, it is believed that Stephen was the same age as Christ.

They called heliotrope and oriental jasper.

Which stones can be combined with heliotrope, and which ones are prohibited?

A harmonious combination of this gem is possible with white pearls, turquoise, beryl, agate, emerald, lapis lazuli, alabaster, sapphire, coral, carnelian and amethyst.

Combinations with onyx, obsidian, malachite, sardonyx, and marcasite are considered prohibited.

Questionable combinations arise in combination with rock crystal, garnet, jasper, moonstone, aquamarine, opal, and ruby.

The mineral has a neutral relationship with carnelian and golden topaz.

Interesting Facts

The priests of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece proclaimed that the stone had magical properties. All the great lords also bowed to him. Jewelry with this gem was discovered by archaeologists in the tombs of rulers who wore jewelry with this amulet, and, fearing his punishment, tried to please him.

Ancient people tried to find a connection between the crystal and the celestial phenomena occurring. For many centuries, it was believed that this gem is capable of attracting bad weather: thunderstorms and rains. According to this belief, stones were boiled and the resulting steam was used to cover the sun.

It is believed that heliotrope has a calming effect on Scorpios, pacifying them and reducing the level of aggressiveness, but one should also take into account the fact that the stone can distract them from their main goal.

In Aries, the stone can cause recklessness, and in Taurus, it can increase stubbornness.

Beads with this stone should be long enough so that they can reach the solar plexus. Brooches with this stone should be attached in the middle of the chest, in the very center of clothing. Jewelry with heliotrope should have a frame made of steel, brass and iron, since it is these metals that can activate the magical properties of the stone.