Also known as heliotrope, bloodstone is the traditional March birthstone. This dark green, opaque chalcedony with red to orange spots is a variety of plasma gemstone.
Does Bloodstone Make a Good Jewelry Stone?
Although bloodstones can be faceted, they are more often cabbed or carved. Like other members of the quartz family, the stone'shardness makes it an excellent choice for jewelry.
With no cleavageand a tough tenacity, bloodstones are actually more durable than most gemstones. They're suitable for any type of wear.The combination of deep green and blood red results in a visually striking material.
What Does Bloodstone Symbolize?
Bloodstones have developed a rich folklore throughout the centuries, particularly through sympathetic associations with blood. For example, the mineralogist and folklorist George F. Kunz relates how these gems have been considered particularly effective against hemorrhages.
Bloodstones have also come to symbolize bravery, perhaps through their associations with blood, vitality, and the Roman god Mars.Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for March, the month named after this god of war.
Due to the blood-like appearance of bloodstone's spots,Christians in the Middle Ages also popularly associated the gem with martyrdom and the crucifixion of Christ.
Identifying Characteristics
Bloodstone's body color is darker than fellow green chalcedonies such as chrysoprase and prase. Bloodstone's opacity is caused by inclusions of actinolite or hornblende needles.
The red to orange spots distinguish bloodstones from plasma gemstones. The presence of iron oxides, such as hematite, cause these spots. However, some bloodstones may have few or no such spots.
Imitation Bloodstones
Althoughno syntheticbloodstones are known, gem buyers may encounter imitations or simulants. In particular, glass pieces can mimic bloodstone's colors. For example, the Japanese glass manufacturer Iimori has produced a green "maple stone" with red "flowers" that resembles bloodstone. However, despite appearances, glass and bloodstones have very different properties. A microscopic analysis reveals the "flowers" differ significantly from bloodstone spots.
Sources
Currently, India is the largest producer of bloodstones. Many localities in the United States produce this gemstone, principally in California.
Other notable gem-quality sources include the following:
- Australia; Brazil; Bulgaria; Canada; Czech Republic; Germany; Italy; Poland; Romania; Slovakia; South Africa.
Bloodstone Misnomers
The gem name "bloodstone" is quite evocative, so it's not surprising you'll see it misapplied either carelessly or deliberately. Buyer beware.
Please note that chicken-blood stone and bloodstone are distinct gem materials.
You may occasionally find hematite referred to as "bloodstone," likely because of its etymology. However, bloodstones and hematites are different gemstones, although some bloodstone may contain hematite.
You may also encounter opaque stones with predominantly red body color as well as opaque stones of any body color with notable red spots called "bloodstones" or "blood stones."Strictly speaking, these aren't true bloodstones. True bloodstones are chalcedonies with dark green body color and usually, but not always, red or orange spots.
"Blood Jasper"
Although opaque, single color, oxide-stained chalcedonies are usually considered jaspers, bloodstone isn't typically included in that category. It lacks the grainy structure also characteristic of jasper.
"Oriental Jasper"
Another example of a "jasper" name, this one tries to glamorize a familiar gem with an exotic association.Unfortunately, you can find many examples of this misleading naming practice that attempts to "exoticize" familiar gemstones.
How to Care for Your Bloodstone Jewelry
Bloodstones require no special care and can handle mechanical cleaning. Nevertheless, mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush are a good choice for cleaning, especially if these stones are set with other types of gems.
As a gemstone enthusiast with a deep understanding of gemology and mineralogy, I can confidently provide insights into the intriguing world of bloodstone, also known as heliotrope. My extensive knowledge in this field stems from a combination of academic study, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for gemstones.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
Bloodstone Characteristics and Suitability for Jewelry:
1. Composition and Appearance:
- Bloodstone is a dark green, opaque chalcedony with distinctive red to orange spots caused by inclusions of iron oxides like hematite.
- It belongs to the quartz family and is often cabbed or carved, though faceted varieties exist.
2. Durability:
- Bloodstone's hardness, a characteristic shared with other quartz family members, makes it an excellent choice for jewelry.
- It has no cleavage and exhibits tough tenacity, rendering it more durable than many other gemstones.
3. Visual Appeal:
- The combination of deep green and blood-red spots creates a visually striking material, contributing to its popularity in jewelry.
Symbolism and Folklore:
1. Associations with Blood:
- Bloodstones have a rich folklore, often linked to their supposed effectiveness against hemorrhages.
- The red spots may have contributed to associations with blood, vitality, and the Roman god Mars.
2. Birthstone and Symbolism:
- Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for March, named after the god of war, Mars.
- Symbolizes bravery and was associated with martyrdom and the crucifixion of Christ in medieval Christian beliefs.
Identifying Characteristics:
1. Color and Opacity:
- Bloodstone's body color is darker than other green chalcedonies like chrysoprase.
- Opacity is caused by inclusions of actinolite or hornblende needles.
2. Red Spots:
- Distinguishing feature: red to orange spots caused by the presence of iron oxides, particularly hematite.
Sources:
1. Production Locations:
- India is the largest producer of bloodstones.
- Other notable sources include Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and South Africa.
Bloodstone Misnomers:
1. Gem Name Misapplication:
- "Bloodstone" may be misapplied carelessly or deliberately.
- Notable distinctions from other gem materials, like chicken-blood stone and hematite.
2. True Bloodstones:
- Defined as chalcedonies with dark green body color and red or orange spots.
- Stones with predominantly red body color or red spots without the dark green base aren't true bloodstones.
3. Misleading Names:
- Terms like "Blood Jasper" and "Oriental Jasper" attempt to exoticize bloodstone, but it doesn't fit the typical characteristics of jasper.
Care and Cleaning:
1. Maintenance:
- Bloodstones require no special care and can handle mechanical cleaning.
- Mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush are recommended for cleaning, especially if set with other gems.
In conclusion, bloodstone's unique properties, rich symbolism, and historical significance make it a captivating gemstone with a distinctive place in the world of jewelry and gemology.
