Gemstone profile and identification guide
Bloodstone
Bloodstone (heliotrope) is dark green chalcedony/jasper marked by red iron-oxide spots.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Bloodstone (heliotrope) is dark green chalcedony/jasper marked by red iron-oxide spots.
Did you know? Bloodstone has a long history in amulets and engraved seals.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Bloodstone
Scientific classification: Silicate (Chalcedony Jasper Variety)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: Dark Green
Secondary colour: Red
Colour family: Greens
The green body with red hematitic spots plus chalcedony texture is the key identification pattern.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron-oxide inclusions
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: India, Brazil, Australia, China, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Dark green chalcedony or jasper with red iron-oxide spots or streaks.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (chalcedony/jasper bloodstone variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron-oxide inclusions
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Lustre: waxy
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive index: 1.53-1.54
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Dark green with red spots or streaks
Common inclusions: Iron oxide (hematite) spots, quartz veining
Geological environment: Silica-rich volcanic and sedimentary chalcedony settings
Principal mining regions: India, Brazil, Australia, China, United States
Important commercial sources: Most commercial bloodstone rough is sourced from India, with additional material from Brazil and Australia
Historical significance: Historically used for seals, carvings, and talismanic objects.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; dyeing can occur in low-grade material.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed chalcedony and glass imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Green jasper, dyed agate
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, signets, seals, and carvings.
Care recommendations: Generally durable for jewellery; avoid harsh impacts on thin edges.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Bloodstone.
Formation
Forms in silica-rich environments with iron oxide inclusions incorporated during chalcedony growth.
Origin
Most commercial bloodstone rough is sourced from India, with additional material from Brazil and Australia
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, signets, seals, and carvings.
Ideal uses: Cabochons and carvings that highlight contrast between green body colour and red spots.
Care
Generally durable for jewellery; avoid harsh impacts on thin edges.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Bloodstone FAQ
How can I identify Bloodstone?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)), colour profile, and lustre (waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Bloodstone appear in?
Dark green chalcedony or jasper with red iron-oxide spots or streaks.
Where is Bloodstone commonly used?
Cabochons and carvings that highlight contrast between green body colour and red spots.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.