Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is an opaque, green, spotted variety of chalcedony. It is used for decorating carvings and cameos. The dark green of bloodstone is spotted with red, due to the presence of iron oxides. These distinctive spots seem to resemble blood, and give the stone its name. A polished bloodstone slab may show scattered red spots and veins. It is sometimes used as an inlay.
In the Middle Ages, bloodstone was attributed with special powers. The spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus Christ. In Germany, hematite is also called bloodstone, so this variety is known as bluestone.
Occurrence
India is the primary source of bloodstone. However, it also occurs in Australia, China, Brazil, and the USA.
Bloodstone Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.61
- Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54
- Birefringence (DR): 0.004
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Trigonal
- Composition: Silicon dioxide
- Hardness: 7
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