Heliotrope (Noun)
Meaning
Green chalcedony with red spots that resemble blood.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The ancient Greeks believed heliotrope was a stone with magical powers, able to turn its red spots into a deeper hue when the wearer was in the presence of poison.
- The red spots on the heliotrope stone are said to resemble blood, which is where it gets its name, meaning 'sun-turned' or 'blood-turning'.
- Legend has it that a heliotrope's red spots would turn a deeper shade when its wearer was near poison, a myth that was perpetuated throughout history.
- In some cultures, the heliotrope is associated with courage and strength, its red spots said to represent the blood of a warrior.
- Heliotrope, a type of green chalcedony with red spots, was highly prized by ancient civilizations for its beauty and supposed magical properties.