Heliotrope (mineral)

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Heliotrope
Specific gravity
2.61
Refractive index1.53–1.54
Birefringence0.004
A rough specimen of bloodstone

The

Ancient Greek ἥλιος (hḗlios) 'sun', and τρέπειν (trépein) 'to turn'), also called Indian bloodstone or ematille, is a cryptocrystalline mixture of quartz that occurs mostly as jasper (opaque) or sometimes as chalcedony (translucent). The "classic" bloodstone is translucent to opaque green chalcedony and red jasper that contains inclusions of hematite. The red jasper may resemble spots of blood
, hence the name bloodstone. Other colors of chalcedony also can occur in Indian bloodstone, such as white, yellow, or blue. This stone should not be confused with other ornamental stones that contain red jasper, such as Setonite (also known as African Bloodstone) which is composed of red jasper, grey chalcedony, and pyrite; or Dragon's Blood (sometimes referred to as Australian Bloodstone) which is composed of red jasper and green epidote.

The name heliotrope derives from ancient beliefs about the manner in which the mineral reflects light. Such notions are described, for example, by Pliny the Elder (Nat. Hist. 37.165).[1]

Legends and superstitions

Heliotrope was called "stone of Babylon" by

Gnostics wore the stone as an amulet for longevity, for wealth and courage, to strengthen the stomach, and to dispel melancholy.[6] In the Middle Ages it was considered useful for animal husbandry.[6] The ancient Greeks and Romans wore the stone to bring renown and favor, to bring endurance, and as a charm against the bite of venomous creatures. Greek and Roman athletes favored it as talisman for success in their games.[6] In Scotland, the Gaels saw heliotropes as the product of an everlasting battle (seen as the aurora borealis) fought by 'the Nimble Ones,' giant faerie-folk who danced and fought in the night skies, their blood pooling into the red part of the aurora before falling in drops to the ground to form bloodstones.[7]

Sources

True Indian bloodstone is primarily found in the Deccan Traps of India, though other rocks with red jasper in them may be found in South Africa, Western Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Nova Scotia, and numerous locations in the United States.[8] There are also occurrences of bloodstone on the Isle of Rum, in Scotland.[9]

References

  1. ^ "heliotrope". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.
  2. ^ Albertus Magnus, De Mineralibus, II.5. in: id., Opera omnia, ed. Borgnet (Paris, 1890), vol. 5, Mineralia: pp. 1–116; on p. 36. Cf. Peter J. Barta, The Seal-ring of Proportion and the magic rings (2016), p. 50f.
  3. ^ Pliny the Elder, Natural History, xxxvii.(60).165. His account was copied verbatim by Isidore of Seville(c. 560-636), Etymologies, XVI,7,12. Cf. Peter J. Barta, The Seal-ring of Proportion and the magic rings (2016), p. 47.
  4. ^ Damigeron, De lapidibus (Abel), ch. II, p. 165, lines 1-19; Damigeron (Pitra), ch. XIX, vol. iii, p. 325-326. Cf. Peter J. Barta, The Seal-ring of Proportion and the magic rings (2016), pp. 48-49.
  5. ^ a b c The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems, by William Thomas and Kate Pavitt, [1922] p.138
  6. ^ a b c The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems, by William Thomas and Kate Pavitt, [1922] p.139
  7. ^ Habold, Agathe. "The Nimble Men". Spirit of the Highlands and Islands. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  8. ^ Mindat.org
  9. ^ The Story of Rum National Nature Reserve
  • Hall, Candy A. (1994). Gem Stones. DK Publishing. .

External links