March’s Alternate Gemstone - The “Blood Jasper” Bloodstone

It is well known that the Aquamarine is March’s birthstone but did you know there is an alternative birthstone for March? The bloodstone is a mineral quartz called cryptocrystalline quartz. It consists of a mass of tiny quartz crystals that form together in large lumps. The bloodstone shares a similarity with Aquamarine in that it is known for protecting one’s well-being. The bloodstone is also called the Blood Jasper.

This dark green jaded chalcedony crystal stone spotted with red can be found embedded in rocks most commonly found in riverbeds. India holds the marketplace for bloodstones but you can find them in Brazil, Australia, China and the United States. So if you are at a riverbed in one of these countries, take a chance and keep your eyes open for a bloodstone, you might be lucky and find one!

The bloodstone is a favored material for carving religious subjects. The most common religious subject the bloodstone is used for is the crucifix. Legend says that the bloodstone was first formed during the crucifixion of Jesus, when his blood fell on a green rock. They say that is where the red pattern comes from. 

The Babylonians are said to use the bloodstone to make seals and amulets. The Babylonian warriors would wear these bloodstone amulets, believing it would stop their bleeding. In the middle ages, it is believed that the bloodstone held healing powers, specifically to stop nosebleeds. Ancient alchemists then took a step further with the bloodstone and used it to treat blood disorders. These disorders include blood poisoning, anemica, could help blood circulation and could draw snake poison! Many believed that you could use the bloodstone to cure rumors and stop any hemorrhoid. All you’d have to do is mix a powered up bloodstone with honey and egg whites .

How To Take Care Of Your Bloodstone

It is quite easy to take care of your bloodstone jewelry because of its polycrystalline material, it is fairly tough and resistant to fractures and chipping. The bloodstone has a 6-7 hardness on the Mohs scale so it is quite tough! Do not use harsh chemicals with the bloodstone and avoid intense heat.

To clean your bloodstone simply use a soft cloth or brush and run it under warm, soapy water. 

If you are a March baby and want a piece of jewelry that represents your birth month but the aquamarine doesn’t speak to you? Well maybe the bloodstone is the one for you! To tell if the bloodstone is good and legitimate, the bloodstone will have a solid green color with visible veins of red. A way to tell if a bloodstone stone is real is if one rubs the stone on porcelain and blood red scars appear, then it is genuine! 

Whether you love the aquamarine’s beauty like the sea, or the magical healing powers the bloodstone represents or both Don’t hesitate to contact us or book an appointment for a free one-on-one consultation. Which one do you think would be a better gift to match the message you’re trying to convey to your loved ones? Need expert guidance? Have a specific design in mind for a ring you want? Visit the Angelucci Jewelry website and check out our ring builder. We will be there to assist you throughout the process. If you have time, check all our educational content you can find on our website as well.