Bloodstone semiprecious gemstone index and mineral information

At Gemstoneindex you can find information on gemstones, minerals, jewelry, birthstones and more. It is intended as a guide to the beautiful and fascinating world of gemstones.

Throughout history gemstones have been admired and worn as amulets and talismans; believed to have powers to protect against evil, disease, and as safeguards of health. Gemstones have also been worn as a symbol of status of the wearer. In astrology, stones were assigned to each planet, month (birthstones), and even days of the week. Today, some of these associations are still being used, like the connection of gemstones and precious metals with anniversaries, as one example.

Gemstoneindex provides you with historical and scientific facts about gemstones, both precious and semi-precious, including their optical and physical properties, and how and where they are found worldwide. In addition, you will find information on other materials, such as pearl, shell, amber and other descendants of plants or animals. These are called organic gemstones.

Whether you are interested in a gemstone for educational purposes or just to attain knowledge on your favorite stones, you will find a good introduction to the subject here.

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Bloodstone is also known as heliotrope. It is a dark green variety of chalcedony colored by traces of iron silicates and with patches of bright red jasper distributed throughout its mass. Particles of chlorite or included hornblende needles cause the green color. Red spots are caused by iron oxide. The name heliotrope derives from the Greek word helio, meaning “sun,” and trepein, meaning “turning.” It has in the past and is in the present time considered a great curative. In some parts of the world it is still believed to stop every type of bleeding, clear bloodshot eyes, act as an antidote for snakebites, and heal urinary troubles. As with other chalcedonies, bloodstone occurs through deposition from low-temperature, silica-rich waters percolating through cracks and fissures in other rocks. The most important deposits of bloodstone are in India, also in Australia, Brazil, China, and the United States. In the trade the word blood jasper is sometimes used to describe bloodstone. However, bloodstone is not a jasper. Bloodstone has also been called hematite, probably because the German word Blutstein refers to hematite.

Bloodstone is the birthstone for the month of March.

Mohs’ Hardness: 7