History & Introduction
Bloodstone gemstone is found in opaque and translucent and it is a specimen of chalcedony.
It is more classified into a variety of microcrystalline quartz. Bloodstone shows
a dark green color and the existence of red, blood-like inclusions that is how it
earn its descriptive gemstone name. Bloodstone is also known as 'heliotrope' and
'blood jasper'. Bloodstone gem is also famous as the birthstone for March. Bloodstone's
green body color is due to the dense additions consisting of the chlorite or hornblende
needles. The colors in Bloodstone ranges in various shades of light to dark green
and naturally, the distribution of primary color is uneven, often showing noticeable
light and dark zones of color. Inclusions of Bloodstone in blood-like are owed to
the presence of iron oxide impurities. The 'blood-drops' can range from red to brownish
in color. There are stones that show yellow spotting, which are called as 'plasma'
in trade and are often mistaken with jasper.
In Christianity it has an old history of bloodstone use. Practically, this gemstone
is considered as one of the most important gems in the writings of the Christian.
Bloodstone is believed to form by the blood of Jesus Christ. It was believed while
crucifixion, the blood of Jesus dripped from his wounds, which stained the green
jasper placed under his feet. His red blood forever stained green stones that gives
birth the present day bloodstone gemstone. The name, "Jasper blood ', is derived
from the Christian legend, however technically, the name is very misleading since
bloodstone is practically not jasper.
During historic times, bloodstone was commonly used for carving and sculpture and
symbols representing flogging along with martyrdom stamps.
Since ages the commonly use of bloodstone is for the carving and sculpting of symbols
and seals that represented martyrdom and flagellation. In the bloodstone category
the popular gemstone available is the carving that is displayed currently in the
Louvre Museum of Paris. German Emperor, Rudolf II use this as the seal.
Recognize - Bloodstone is easily recognized because of its characteristic
'classic' appearance. The base color of bloodstone is available from green to bluish
green, and also bluish gray at many times. The most unique feature is the existence
of red, brownish or yellow 'blood-like' spotted inclusions. Bloodstone is a variety
of quartz and possess perfect hardness. Not so many materials are able to scratch
bloodstone, therefore to discern bloodstone from other synthetic stones a simple
scratch test is enough. The composition of bloodstone gem consist of silicon dioxide
and presence of trigonal crystal structure made up of microcrystalline aggregates.
Availability - The gem mines and sources of bloodstone are mainly
found in California in USA, Madagascar and India. Important deposits are also found
in China, Australia, Germany and Brazil. The latest source found is the Isle of
Rum, in Scotland.
Usages - Bloodstone is mainly cut into beads along with cabochons,
where it is used in necklaces and bracelets and at times rings too. It is very rarely
cut into different facets of gemstone. Bloodstone is used traditionally as a seal
stone, and there are times when it is carved into small carvings as well as figures.
Buying Guide
Color - Bloodstone is mainly found in dark green, however it also
occurs in bluish gray, brown and greenish blue. Bloodstone possess of red to brownish,
and even yellow spotting due to iron oxide inclusions. The distribution of color
in blood stone is not even and many times it is found with noticeable light and
dark color zones.
Clarity and Lustre - The clarity of bloodstone ranges from translucent
to opaque. When cut as well as polished, it shows a luster that is vitreous, maximum
time it gives a slightly waxy or resinous. Natural bloodstone inclusions adds up
to chlorite and hornblende needles and into iron oxide.
Cut and Shape - Naturally, the gemstone is cut en cabochon. It
is even popular in the form of tumbled stones and gemstone beads. Naturally the
smaller stones are not faceted, however faceting is in general for larger stones.
Maximum stones are cut into pear or oval shapes, however different fancy shapes
are even found like hearts, trillions, marquise shapes, plain-cuts and free-forms.
Frequently, bloodstone is used for the purpose of cameos, carvings, insignia and
seals.
Treatment - Naturally, the bloodstone gems is not dyed, heated,
improved or treated in other ways. The stone is left untreated from the mine to
the market, there are only few gems, which are not treated and blood stone is among
them.
Gemological Characteristics: