When researching information on Bloodstone for an inquiry, I came across a variety of information.
Which do you think is true?
1) Bloodstone is a variety of Quartz
2) Bloodstone is a Green Quartz
3) Bloodstone is a type of Chalcedony tending towards a Jasper
4) Bloodstone is a blend of Chalcedony and Jasper
5) Bloodstone is a variety of Chalcedony containing red spots of Jasper
While the wording on each is slightly different, what makes this so intriguing is that ALL of the above explanations are accurate!
Bloodstone (Heliotrope) is identified as a member of the Chalcedony family. Chalcedony is a type of Quartz. So, Bloodstone could be identified as Quartz. (1)
Bloodstone is a green Chalcedony. Chalcedony is a type of Quartz, so feasibly it would not be inaccurate to define Bloodstone as a variety of Green Quartz. The green in bloodstone is due to inclusions of Chlorite. (2)
Bloodstone is a blend of Chalcedony and Jasper. This is also true. Jasper is variety of Quartz, usually red, brown or yellow and colored by oxides of iron. The red spots (Jasper) in Bloodstone are simply iron pockets that turn red when it comes in contact with water and oxygen (oxidizes). (3, 4, & 5)
So let’s put this all together for the most accurate description of what Bloodstone truly is.
Bloodstone is typically defined as a dark green to greenish-blue Chalcedony, with nodules of red Iron oxide (in this case, Jasper) distributed throughout. Sometimes these appear as blood-like spots while at other times they appear as splotches or veins of color. Due to the amount of iron oxide, Bloodstone may also occur with inclusions of brown, mustard or even multicolored spots. The color and patterns of Bloodstone are rarely consistent. The various locations where Bloodstone can be found as well as the amount of iron oxide absorbed during the formation process offers a variety of color combinations which may include green with no spots, mostly red with some green, or even pieces that are green with mustard and red splotches.
Knowing exactly what a stone is made of is a wonderful way to incorporate its energies into any type of metaphysical work. And if you are an amateur “Rock Hound” like me, delving into the make up of any specimen is also a rewarding experience. It is a merge of science and spirituality at its finest.
Written by Kristi Huggins, Author and Project Manager for Healing Crystals
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Very interesting! Bloodstone was one of the first crystals I was really drawn to. Interesting to learn more about it! (Submitted by: Sarah DB on January 30, 2012)
