Bloodstone: The Martyr's Stone

by

Shawn Russell

www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go340/students/russell

Table of Contents

  • Properties of Bloodstone
  • Bloodstone as jewerly
  • Mystical and Healing powers of Bloodstone
  • The Martyr's stone
  • Origin of Bloodstone
  • References
    		•
    Bloodstone image taken from
    All~That~Gifts: www.all-that-gifts.
    com/se/bloodstone.html    .

    Introduction

    Bloodstone is green with red dots and some say the dots resemble droplets of blood. This unique blend of colors gives bloodstone its descriptive name. Bloodstone is also known has heliotrope. Heliotrope comes from the Greek words turning and sun, with the belief that if the stone was immeresed in water the sun would turn red (www.controversial.com/Bloodstone.htm).

    I was interested in this common but odd looking stone and created this website on the topic for my gemstone course at Emporia State University. The page covers bloodstone's: (a) basic properties (b) use (c) geographic location (d) common imitations (e) associated myths and facts.

    Properties of Bloodstone

    Color: Green with red dot or vine patterns
    Transparency: Opaque
    Streak Color: White
    Luster: Glassy to waxy
    Hardness: 6.5-7.0
    Crystal Habit: Massive
    Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
    Structure: Cryptocrystalline variety of quartz
    Cleavage: Absent
    Pleochroism: Absent
    Fracture: Uneven, conchoidal
    Absorption Spectrum: Not diagnostic
    Crystal System: Hexagonal
    Other characteristics: Highly sensitive to heat
    Chemical Composition: SiO2 with inclusions of hematite
    Chemical Class: Tectosilicate

    Table information obtained from Controverscial.Com, www.controversial.com/Bloodstone.htm

    Bloodstone as Jewerly

    Bloodstone is somewhat rare but a relatively inexpensive gem. When fashioned, it is usually cut en cabochon for pendents, rounded into beads for necklaces, and carved or cabbed for men's rings. Bloodstone can also be used as a sealstone (24carat.co.uk). Bloodstone used in jewelry requires the usual suggestions for protecting this beautiful gemstone from scratching, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and sharp blows. It is also important not to get the stone wet, for the polish could be removed if the stone gets wet (24carat.co.uk).

    Mystical and Healing Powers

    For many centuries people have thought of bloodstone as a magical stone likely because of its odd coloration. Some believe it helps one become knowledgeable of the ways of the world. Others believe bloodstone stops hemorrhages and reduces stomach and bowel pains. Also bloodstone is thought to assist and strengthen organs that purify the blood (All~That~Gifts.com). In addition to all of these powers, some think bloodstone assists athletes who wish to gain added strength (Controverscial.com).

    The Marytyr's Stone

    Bloodstone has also been known as the Martyer's stone. It was thought to have formed from the blood of Christ as it fell on to the Earth and solidified (allthatgifts.com). From that time on Medival Christians carved martyr and crucifixion scenes on to the stone giving it, its name "The Martyr's Stone" (GembyGem.com). In the Middle ages Bloodstone was thought to have miraculous powers, one such power believed to have been the power of invisibility.

    Origin of Bloodstone

    Bloodstone is a chalcedony or cryptochrystalline varity of quartz. It is primarily mined in India, although occurrences and mines can be found in Brazil, China, Australia, and the United States, specifically in Wyoming (Wikipedia.org).
    Image taken from
    Making Magic Work:
    www.amerindea.com/
    gemstones02.html    .

    References

    all that gifts. www.all-that-gifts.com/se/bloodstone.html, allthatgifts.com
    Bloodstone. www.controversial.com/Bloodstone.htm, Controverscial.com
    Chard. www.24carat.co.uk/bloodstoneframe.html, 24carat.co.uk
    Gem by Gem. gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/bloodstone, Gemstone.org
    USGS. minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/sp14-95/chalcedony.html, USGS
    Schumann, W., 1997. Gemstones of the World. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York.
    Wikkipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wikki/Heliotrope_%28mineral%29, Wikipedia.org

    Return to GO 340 Home Page or to the GO 340 Student Webpage.

    Website created April 29, 2008 by Shawn Russell. Contact me at srussell@emporia.edu for comments or questions.

    Copyright 2008 Shawn Russell, all rights reserved.