bloodstone

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Hand-carved bloodstone cameo

Variety:  Bloodstone (a.k.a Heliotrope)
Species:  Chalcedony
Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Semi-translucent to opaque dark green with red or brownish red spots
RI:  1.535 to 1.539 (1.53 or 1.54 spot reading)
Birefringence:  Usually not detectable
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.60 (+0.10 / -0.05)

Bloodstone Facts

Victorian era bloodstone ring

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Bloodstone is an opaque, dark green variety of chalcedony with red spots.

Bloodstone is also known as heliotrope and blood jasper.

The red inclusions are due to iron oxide inclusions, specifically hematite.

Bloodstone was very popular in Victorian Era jewelry.

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Bloodstone Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)