Table of characteristics of the mineral heliotrope
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Molecular mass | |
| admixture | |
| IMA Status | |
| Systematics according to IMA (Mills et al., 2009) | |
| Class | |
| Group | |
| Physical properties | |
| Color | Dark green with red spots and stripes |
| Dash color | White |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5-7 |
| fragility | Fragile |
| Cleavage | Missing |
| kink | Uneven |
| Density | 2.58-2.64 g/cm³ |
| Crystallographic properties | |
| space group | |
| Syngony | Cryptocrystalline aggregate |
| Twinning | |
| Optical properties | |
| optical type | |
| Refractive index | 1.530-1.539 |
| Birefringence | 0.004 |
| dichroism | |
| optical relief | |
| Dispersion of optical axes | Missing |
| Pleochroism | Missing |
| Luminescence | Missing |
| Diffusion |
Description of heliotrope
This mineral is classified as part of the chalcedony species and is often confused or misnamed for jasper. Both are microcrystalline representatives of the chalcedony species, however heliotrope is classified separately due to the distinct coloration/mineralization that is easily distinguishable visually.
Heliotrope forms in hydrothermal fissures and veins, it is deposited when low temperature (up to 200°C) silica-rich water seeps through fissures, fissures and veins. Classical or pure heliotrope is dark green (sometimes with a bluish tinge) and has red spots with inclusions of iron oxides, mainly hematite. The spots may be sparse or very dense and even intertwined. The solid green color is caused by dense inclusions of the minerals chlorite, pyroxene, and amphibole, such as hornblende needles within chalcedony. Although usually a solid green with red spots, there may be variations with lighter or darker green areas, bluish-gray or dark yellow stripes and spots. Red inclusions can also appear as streaks or veins, although blotches are most common. The yellow spots present in solid green are known as plasma stone.
Geology/History
Originally known as heliotrope, the name comes from the Greek ἥλιος, hḗlios, meaning “sun” and τρέπειν, trépein, meaning “to turn”, alluding to various ancient ideas about how a stone reflects light. The mineral is described by Pliny the Elder. Later in history, heliotrope became known as bloodstone, an obvious reference to red-spotted inclusions, today it is best known as bloodstone.
An important stone throughout history and spirituality. For centuries, heliotrope has been valued as a gemstone and has been used in decorative carvings for decorative, practical, and spiritual purposes. Although the modern March stone is aquamarine, heliotrope is considered the traditional March stone. Known historically for its metaphysical aspects, the heliotrope has been called the “stone of Babylon” and has many of the magical properties attributed to it since late antiquity.
Pliny the Elder (1st century) wrote that magicians used it as a stone of invisibility. Damigeron (4th century) wrote about its ability to maintain health and youth, cause rain and solar eclipses. He also noted that the mineral has a special meaning in divination. It is said that the ancient warriors revered the heliotrope as a stone of courage, carried amulets from it with them to stop bleeding from wounds and protect them from the evil eye.
Where is heliotrope mined?
A well-known ancient source of heliotrope was the Kathiawar Peninsula in India, currently known places are Madagascar, California, USA, Australia, Germany, Brazil, China and Rum Island in Scotland.
Metaphysical properties
A stone of Courage that has universal power, lord of the Sun and speaks to the gods, with the deep magic of an ancient connection, Heliotrope cultivates wisdom, intuition, creativity, abundance and love. Cleansing, balancing and restoring. It renews and strengthens energy fields, stimulates the intellect and promotes well-being. Both grounding and protection with the ability to expand your energy field and deflect negative energies. A great stone of travelers, said to warn of approaching danger, promotes instinctive and practical movement with calm, brief actions.
Heliotrope stimulates new growth and positive change. He teaches how to accept, endure and understand the energy cycles of life, determine what to let die so that a new one is born. It shows the close and interconnected relationship of all particles, whereby it brings unity, showing humanity as just one part of the larger family of life.
Powerful devic energy resides in the heliotrope, and due to its regenerative properties, this makes it an excellent healer of plants, animals, and the earth. He can use ley lines/dragon lines/telluric currents and direct the energy towards rejuvenation. The stone of all sorcerers with the wisdom of druids and shamans / the magic of other worlds and soul journeys. The element of Earth and Fire within instills a love for the earth, stars and wildlife. It guides the individual to master the manifestation of the physical realm, great for spells or spells of wealth/money/abundance.
It opens the dormant forces of past lives and forgotten energy channels, gives strength, self-realization and expansion of magic.
Heliotrope also teaches the ancient art of synchronizing energy fields through elemental magic, how to control the weather, move clouds, create rain, focus the energy of the Sun, and control the wind. It opens communication with all living beings, including non-sentient beings.
Heliotrope increases the power of all magic, especially plant/herb magic, moon magic, alchemical magic, blood magic, and creation magic. With this ancient wisdom comes the ancient triple laws, Heliotrope gives the wisdom, honor and responsibility needed to use it, as well as the power to wield this magic.
The healing properties of heliotrope
Blood purification and detoxification, helps the vascular, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems, resists hemorrhages, hemorrhoids and liver dysfunction. Boosts immunity, helps relieve stress, anxiety and is good for injury recovery.