2 dark green bloodstone tumble stones

### **Bloodstone: The Stone of Courage and Vitality**  
**Bloodstone** (also known as **Heliotrope**) is a powerful and ancient **dark green chalcedony** (a type of quartz) speckled with vivid red spots of **iron oxide (hematite)** or **jasper**, resembling drops of blood—hence its dramatic name.  
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### **Key Properties of Bloodstone**  
- **Color**: Deep forest green with red or brownish-red flecks.  
- **Hardness**: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale (durable for jewelry).  
- **Composition**: Cryptocrystalline quartz + hematite/jasper inclusions.  
- **Luster**: Waxy to vitreous when polished.  
- **Transparency**: Opaque.  
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### **Historical & Cultural Significance**  
- **Ancient Legends**: Medieval Christians believed the red spots symbolized Christ’s blood, associating it with martyrdom and sacrifice.  
- **Warrior’s Stone**: Roman gladiators carried it for courage and victory in battle.  
- **Alchemy & Medicine**: Used in powdered form for blood purification and detoxification in ancient times.  
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### **Metaphysical & Healing Properties**  
Bloodstone is revered as a **grounding, protective, and energizing** stone with many believed benefits:  
- **Physical Vitality** – Said to boost circulation, detoxify blood, and strengthen the immune system.  
- **Courage & Strength** – Helps overcome fear, stress, and adversity.  
- **Emotional Balance** – Calms anger and promotes mental clarity.  
- **Manifestation** – Used in rituals for wealth, success, and resilience.  
- **Spiritual Protection** – Repels negative energy and enhances intuition.  
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### **Uses of Bloodstone**  
1. **Jewelry** – Often carved into beads, cabochons, or signet rings.  
2. **Healing Elixirs** – Placed in water (briefly) for an energizing boost (caution: some varieties may contain trace metals).  
3. **Meditation** – Held to enhance focus and willpower.  
4. **Feng Shui** – Placed in health/wealth areas (east/southeast) for vitality.  
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### **Fun Facts**  
- Named **"Heliotrope"** (Greek for "sun-turning") due to ancient beliefs that it reflected sunlight like a mirror.  
- A favorite of Renaissance engravers for seals and cameos.  
- Some Indian traditions link it to the **root chakra** for grounding.