Bloodstone
History: This is one of the oldest gemstones known to mankind, the
use of which has been recorded from times ancient. It is a quartz of
chalcedony and in olden days was also referred by the name
heliotrope, as the gem looked like the fiery red sun setting into the
ocean. The name comes from the Greek Helios, for sun. The most
common legend though describes this stone as having come about
when a few drops of Jesus’ blood fell onto some green stones placed
near the foot of the cross, on which he was crucified. The red spots
seen on the surface of the stone are supposed to be the bloodstains of
Jesus. It is for this reason that it is also called the martyr’s stone.
Chemical Composition: It is an oxide belonging to the quartz group,
represented by the formula SiO2, or Silicon dioxide.
Physical Properties: Being a variety of chalcedony it is a
cryptocrystalline quartz, which means that the individual crystals
cannot be easily distinguished under a light microscope due to the
small size. It has a hardness of 7 and a refractive index of 1.543-1.552
to 1.545-1.554. Its crystal structure is trigonal.
Color: The green color of the stone comes from the chlorite which is
the main component while the red spots are inclusions of iron oxides.
Some stones have brown spots, while a few exhibit multicolored
inclusions. It has a bright shine which is one of the parameters to be
explored while selecting a bloodstone of good quality.
Cut: The stone is found in a variety of shapes and cuts and some of
the most common ones are oval, round, octagonal, cushion cut,
emerald cut and cabochon, which when set in sterling silver and 18
carat yellow gold create some stunning pieces of jewelry. It is also
widely used as beads, strung together in necklaces, using cuts like
round, oval and baroque.
Clarity: The Bloodstone is opaque but it has a bright luster and a
natural bloodstone is distinguished by its bright shine. The shine is
one of the considerations while selecting the stone whereas clarity is
not a great concern.
Price: Easy availability of the stone and multiple uses make it a
relatively inexpensive stone. It is for this reason that the stone is used
extensively in making jewelry items, ranging from rings, earrings,
pendants, amulets and signet rings for men.
Producers: Bloodstone is found in abundance in Brazil, China, India,
Australia and the United States.
Simulants: Bloodstone is sometimes confused with the fancy jasper,
but these are completely different stones.
Healing properties: It is one of those stones that is valued as much
for its beauty as it is for its medicinal and healing properties. It is
supposed to cure a range of diseases, but is especially recommended
as a blood purifier, an immune system stimulant and to detoxify. It
helps to cleanse the liver, kidney, spleen and intestines, and aid blood
circulation. In olden days bloodstones were placed on wounds in order
to stop bleeding. Psychics value it for its supposed magical properties,
and the belief that it banishes evil and heightens one's powers of
intuition. It has strong revitalizing qualities while at the same time
inducing calm and composure. In Indian medicine, finely powdered
Bloodstone is used as an aphrodisiac.
Care: Like all gemstones, bloodstone needs to be taken care of well.
As the beauty of the stone depends upon it shine, it is important to
protect it from harsh chemicals and avoid much contact with water. In
spite of its hardness it is susceptible to scratches.
Trivia: Bloodstone was widely used in mediaeval ages by Christians to
carve depictions of the crucifixion, as it was associated with the act
itself. Several bloodstones also depict the flagellation scene. In the
Louvre in Paris, can be seen a beautifully carved Bloodstone having the
seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II.
