by Sheweta Dhanuka

Ancient history reveals that the bloodstone first occurred when at the time of crucifixion, few blood drops of Christ fell and stained the stone jasper lying down near the foot of the cross. As the red spots were considered to be the blood spots of Christ, the stone was attributed special cosmic, magical and healing power. Thus, after that day people started wearing this gemstone to cure all the blood related diseases. This is the reason why dark green coloured stone with red spots is named as Bloodstone.

Bloodstone is chalcedony quartz. It is also called as Heliotrope. This additional name is derived from Greek words meaning sun as bloodstone with red spots implies reflection of sun in an ocean. It is an alternative birthstone for the people born in the month of March. Unfortunately, it is not an anniversary gemstone.

This semi precious gemstone is closely associated with Christianity. Ancient history reveals that the gemstone first occurred when at the time of crucifixion, few blood drops of Christ fell and stained the stone jasper lying down near the foot of the cross. As the red spots were considered to be the blood spots of Christ, the stone was attributed special cosmic, magical and healing power. Thus, after that day people started wearing this gemstone to cure all the blood related diseases. This is the reason why dark green coloured stone with red spots is named as Bloodstone.

This magical stone is inexpensive semi precious gemstone but still many clever sellers deceive the buyers easily with their tricks. Bottlestone and Fancy Jasper are the misleading terms frequently used in the jewelry market. Thus, this article offers few buying tips that would help the buyer in purchasing the genuine Bloodstone gem and the different jewelry items made using this gemstone.

The main source of Bloodstone gem is India. Thus, it is used in many of Indian ayurvedic medicines. Other countries producing this gem are Australia, Kathiawar Peninsula, Brazil, China, South America and USA (Wyoming). The wide availability of this gemstone makes it quite affordable stone.

Bloodstone is dark green in colour with red spots. The green shade appears due to chlorite content in the composition. The spots present on the surface of the gemstone are usually red and can be brown or multi-coloured too. Traditionally red spots were believed to be the blood drops of Christ but scientifically these spots occur due to the presence of iron oxide in the chemical composition of the gem.

Genuine Bloodstone gem possess bright shining. Bright shine is one of the characteristics to identify the natural gemstone. It is non porous and opaque in nature. As it is opaque the clarity is not taken much into consideration while selecting the gemstone.

It is easily cut into different shapes like round, oval, octagon, emerald, cushion and cabochons. Cabochon is the shape most in demand for ornaments choice. Bloodstone set as cabochon in 18K yellow gold or sterling silver makes amazing jewelry.

Its wide shapes, polished look and low cost make it a popular gemstone choice. Many females like pendent and rings with large size of bloodstone. Brooches made up bloodstone are also preferred. The suitable diameter of brooch can be 2.80 cm or 1.10 inches that can hold pure bloodstone brooch of 11.50 gram (7.39 dwt).

For those who cannot afford large size stone jewelry can select smaller size gemstone jewelry items. For example pendent made up of sterling silver having bloodstone gem size between 18mm to 10 mm. The pendent can hold the gemstone either in prong or mount setting and can be easily worn in 16 inches or 18 inches sterling silver chain. Similarly, earrings in different designs are also available having gems or beads in sizes between 8mm to 12mm. Like females, males too like to wear bloodstone. It is used as a sealstone in male’s signet rings.

Bloodstone is widely used as beads. Beads are also given different cuts like oval, round and baroque shapes. Mostly sterling silver is used for making jewelry from bloodstone beads. Plain necklace with bloodstone beads looks quite attractive irrespective of the shape. Beads of same size or different sizes can be used for making the necklace. 18 inches or 45 cms is the ideal length of the bead necklace. Like necklace, bracelets are also created from bloodstone beads. Beads size between 6mm to 10 mm makes attractive bracelets that cover the full wrist delicately. While selecting the beads buyers should ensure that the entire beads in the necklace together offer synchronized look. It should have similar brightness and colour shade.

It is 7 Mohs on hardness scale. Inspite of being quite hard, it has to be protected from sharp blows and scratches. Household solutions and cosmetics containing harsh chemicals can also spoil the natural beauty of the stone. Also extreme temperature changes must be avoided. Bloodstone needs to be always kept dry else moisture would ruin the polish of the gem.

Bloodstone is the gemstone that fulfills the desire of wearing gemstone jewelry of the people belonging to every age group and price range. Bloodstone gem can be a very good option that makes the wearer beautiful and close to GOD !!