Heliotrope (mineral) Heliotrope (mineral) The mineral aggregate heliotrope (from Greek ἥλιος, "hḗlios" “Sun”, τρέπειν, "trépein" “to turn”), also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony (which is a cryptocrystalline mixture of quartz). The "classic" bloodstone is green jasper (chalcedony) with red inclusions of hematite. The red inclusions are supposed to resemble spots of blood, hence the name "bloodstone". The name "heliotrope" derives from various ancient notions about the manner in which the mineral reflects light. These are described, e.g., by Pliny the Elder ("Nat. Hist." 37.165). Heliotrope was called "stone of Babylon" by Albert the Great and he referred
USS Heliotrope (1863) about 50 men up Mattox Creek. Three schooners and various types of supplies were captured or destroyed on this 2-day foray. The small gunboat continued her vital work of choking off Confederate supplies in the Potomac River area until mid-April, when she steamed for New York City, arriving 20 April. "Heliotrope" decommissioned 12 January 1865 and was sold 17 June to the Department of the Treasury for use with the Lighthouse Service. USS Heliotrope (1863) USS "Heliotrope" (1863) was a wooden steamer acquired by the Union Navy for use during the American Civil War. In addition to patrol duty, "Heliotrope"