Bloodstone

Gemstone :

Bloodstone

Birthstone Month :

Bloodstone is the birthstone for the month of March.

Zodiac :

Bloodstone is associated with the zodiac signs of Aries, Pisces, and Scorpio.

Chemical Symbol :

SiO2

Chemical Make-up :

Bloodstone is a Silicon Dioxide and a variety of Chalcedony, which is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. Its green color is due to the presence of chlorite, with the red spots being due to the presence of iron oxide

History & Lore :

The flecks of red that resemble blood explains the origin of Bloodstone's descriptive name. It has also been known as 'Heliotrope', which in Greek means “sun turning”. It is not known for certain why this name was given for Bloodstone, although it is said that in Ancient times polished stones were described as reflecting the sun.

Legend states that Bloodstone was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained pieces of Jasper at the foot of the cross. Because of this, Medieval Christians used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs, using the red specks to signify Christ's blood. This led to the stone being titled the Martyrs Stone.

The Louvre Museum in Paris contains an example of a “Martyrs Stone” that was carved with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II.

Bloodstone has been used to cure blood related disorders dating back thousand of years. It is said to aid poor blood circulation, cure blood poisonings, and purify and detoxify the bloodstream. It is also believed to cure tumors, hemorrhages, and to stop the flow of blood from a wound. Ancient gladiators used Bloodstone to seal battle wounds.

Availability :

Fine specimens of Bloodstone can be difficult to find on the market today. Many believe the reason for this short supply is ue to the fact that finely powdered bloodstone is being used as both a medicine and an aphrodisiac in India.

Sources :

Today India is the major source of Bloodstone. There are also known deposits in Australia, Brazil, China, and the United States

Evaluation :

Bloodstone is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and thus should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. It is found in different shades of green, accompanied by red to reddish brown specks. Color satuation and quality of polish are both important factors that significantly affect value.

Common Cuts :

Bloodstone is most commonly found cut into cabochons and beads. It is also often used as a seal stone.

Routine Enhancements :

There are no known enhancements for bloodstone.

Care & Cleaning :

Bloodstone is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Bloodstone

should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extreme heat and household chemicals that can damage the stone. Always keep your bloodstone jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching.