Bloodstone

Red flecks scattered across deep green jasper. The red is iron oxide—iron from within the earth, oxidised and absorbed into the stone.

Medieval Europe called it the "martyr's stone." Legend held that blood falling from the cross during the crucifixion stained the jasper beneath. Churches used it to adorn chalices and crosses.

The Romans, however, carved it into seals. The contrast of red and green produced a sharp impression—a practical choice. Legend and function. The same stone, chosen across centuries for entirely different reasons.

There are chapters in a life where the body has to lead. The mind can wait — physical stamina can't. I picked this stone for those chapters. If you know what it feels like to stand up from the very bottom of your reserves, you'll recognise why it belongs in your hand.