Bloodstone
What is Bloodstone?
Bloodstone is a variety of jasper featuring flecks of red in a background of dark green. It’s primarily found in India, Brazil, and Australia. Bloodstone has been used for centuries as a gemstone and is a popular choice for jewelry due to its unique appearance and spiritual significance.
Bloodstone is a dark green jasper with red flecks, often used in jewelry and amulets. Its unique appearance and historical significance make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. The stone is often used in rings, necklaces, and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate (Chalcedony) |
| Color | Dark green with bright red spots, though variations can occur. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Occurrence | India, Brazil, China. |
| Formation | Bloodstone forms when quartz replaces crocidolite, and as the quartz forms, iron oxide particles are trapped within, giving it its characteristic spots. |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 to 7. |
| Specific Gravity | Approximately 2.58 to 2.64. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Dark green with red spots. |
| Chemical Composition | SiO2 |
| Pleochroism | Not exhibited in bloodstone. |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal (variety of Quartz) |
| Optical Properties | Uniaxial (+) |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 - 1.539 |
| Birefringence | 0.009 |
| 2V angle | Not applicable (isometric) |
| Dispersion | Not typically relevant for bloodstone. |