Bloodstone Gemstone
Bloodstone gemstones (Heliotrope) could also be classified as a Jasper or Chalcedony sort of Quartz, and is typically a mixture of the 2 . It is typically defined as a dark green Chalcedony with blood-like spots of Red Jasper or iron oxide inclusions. It occurs as massive formations, starting from dark green to greenish-blue or greenish-black, and should be translucent to opaque with a waxy, resinous lustre. In addition to the spots and streaks of Red Jasper, some formations contain inclusions that are yellow or white, while others lacking inclusions could also be entirely green. You might like peridot gems and carnelian stones as well.
Bloodstone has been mentioned as Blood Jasper and specimens with only yellow inclusions are called Plasma. In the ancient world it had been considered to be a semi-precious stone or gem, and was used extensively as signet seals and in jewellery, also as being carved into decorative cups, small vases and statuettes.
Called the Sun Stone, and later Christ’s Stone, its energy carries the purity of blood and inherently speaks of life and birth, vitality and strength, passion and courage. As a talisman it’s both mystical and magical, and its virtues are protective and nurturing. It is also the alternative birthstone for March.
Its use for healing, and its connection to blood and detoxification of the organs, dates back five thousand years to Mesopotamia. In many cultures, Heliotrope was dipped in cold water and placed on the body to assist circulation and transfer the facility of the sun to stop injury or disease, stop the flow of blood, or cure any wound. Its coagulant effect was renowned, and for this reason, ancient warriors often carried Heliotrope as an amulet of protection and courage, also as its practical applications.
Ground, powdered, and mixed with honey, it was used to cure tumours, draw out snake venom and staunch haemorrhages. It was said to clear putrefaction of abscesses during a day, and easily watching the Blood Stone was believed to stop eye diseases.
Bloodstone was treasured not only as a talisman of excellent health and long life, but was reputed to bring its owner respect, luck , riches and fame. It protected one from deception, helped overcome enemies in battle, and secured victory in court and legal matters. It was also believed to have magical properties with the ability to control the weather by averting lightning, conjuring storms or summoning rain.
Bloodstone conferred the gift of prophecy as an “audible oracle” that gave off sound as a way of guidance or to warn of danger, and will direct spiritual energies to banish negativity and evil.
What to look for when buying Bloodstone gems
Genuine Bloodstone gem possesses a bright lustre. Bright lustre is one of the characteristics to identify the natural gemstone. Bloodstone is non porous and opaque in nature. As it is opaque the clarity is not taken into consideration while selecting the gemstone.
It is easily cut into different shapes like round, oval, octagon, emerald, cushion and cabochons. Cabochon is the shape most in demand for ornamental choice. Bloodstone sets up beautifully in yellow gold, red gold or sterling silver.
Its wide shapes, polished look and low cost make it a popular gemstone choice. Many women like pendants and rings with larger sized bloodstones.
For those who cannot afford larger sized stones, Bloodstone comes in smaller sized gemstones. For example pendants made up of sterling silver having bloodstone gem size between 18mm to 10 mm. The pendent can hold the gemstone either in prong or bezel mount setting and can be easily worn in 45cm to 50cm sterling silver chains. Similarly, earrings in different designs are also available having gems or beads in sizes between 8mm to 12mm. Men also like to wear bloodstone. It is used as a seal stone in male’s signet rings.
Bloodstone is widely used as beads. Beads are also given different cuts like oval, round and baroque shapes. Mostly sterling silver is used for making jewellery from bloodstone beads. A plain necklace with bloodstone beads looks quite attractive irrespective of the shape. Beads of the same size or different sizes can be used for making the necklace. 45 cm is the ideal length of the bead necklace.
Similar to the necklaces, bracelets are also created from bloodstone beads. Beads size between 6mm to 12 mm makes an attractive bracelet that goes all around the wrist. While selecting the beads buyers should ensure that the beads are similar in appearance and size. It should have similar brightness and the colour shade should not be too different.
Bloodstone rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. In spite of being quite hard, it has to be protected from sharp blows and scratches. Household solutions and cosmetics containing harsh chemicals also can spoil the natural great thing about the stone. Also extreme temperature changes must be avoided. Bloodstone needs to be always kept dry else moisture would ruin the polish of the gem.
Bloodstone is truly appropriate for any age and can be worn simple or dressed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bloodstone is a deep green to almost black gemstone decorated with orange, red or brown spotting. This is caused by iron oxide inclusions, especially Hematite. The dark green background is composed of the mineral Chlorite, or a mixture of minerals known as Hornblende
Bloodstone measures at 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is a member of the chalcedony family, and a cryptocrystalline quartz. Care should be taken not to scratch your bloodstone jewellery.
Suppliers price Bloodstone gems according to their carat weight, colour, shape and clarity. Similar to other semi-precious gems, the big and beautiful pieces are higher in value. It is still very affordable.
Bloodstone is a heliotrope, which is a form of jasper. It is also opaque like the jasper and chalcedony family of cryptocrystalline silicas.
