Bloodstone is another gem that serves as a birthstone for March. It is an opaque green chalcedony that is marked with splashes of red and often other colors. Bloodstone receives its name from the red splashes of blood-like color. As an opaque gem, bloodstone is usually cut into dome or shield-shaped gems known as cabochons. It has been a popular gemstone for at least two thousand years. In Europe and in older publications bloodstone is known by the name “heliotrope”. Bloodstone is a popular and durable gem for men’s rings, cufflinks, and tie tacks.