African Bloodstone Obelisk (REF:ABJO3)

Obelisk are a four sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid shape at the top. Coming from Greek term obeliskos, obelisk were prominent in the architecture of the ancient Egyptians and were called tekhenu. For Egyptians, the obelisk was a reverential monument, commemorating the dead, representing their kings, and honouring their gods.

  

Bloodstone is a variety of Opaque Chalcedony. It is dark green with red spots and blotches. It is also known as Heliotrope, from the Greek meaning ‘sun turner’, although the derivation of this name is not known. In the Middle Age, the red spots in Bloodstone were thought to be spots of Christ’s blood, and special magical powers were attributed to the stones. Bloodstone deposits have been found in India, China, Brazil, Australia, and the USA.