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Heliotrope (Mineral)

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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In mineralogy, is the mineral commonly called "bloodstone" (q.v.), and sometimes termed girasol - a name applied also to fire-opal. The name, like those of many ancient names of minerals, seems to have had a fanciful origin. According to Pliny the stone was so called because when thrown into the water it turned the sun's light falling upon it into a reflection like that of blood.