Bloodstone
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Bloodstone
Formula:
SiO2
Name:
For the red spots that may resemble drops of blood. The name heliotrope comes from Ancient Greek ἥλιος (hḗlios) 'sun' and τρέπειν (trépein) 'to turn', derived from ancient beliefs about the manner in which the mineral reflects light. Such notions are described, for example, by Pliny the Elder (Nat. Hist. 37.165). It was believed that bloodstone, when immersed in water, would capture the sun as a blood-red image. Pliny went on to say that, out of water, "[it] catches the sunlight like a mirror and detects solar eclipses, showing the passage of the moon as it approaches the sun's disc".
A variety of prase (dark green/greenish-blue chalcedony or jasper), with small red blood-like spots. Used as a gem. Also called heliotrope.
Also used for a red variety of quartz.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Bloodstone.
Also used for a red variety of quartz.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Bloodstone.Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7616
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7616:2
Similar Names
Chemistry of Bloodstone
Mindat Formula:
SiO2
Elements listed:
Synonyms of Bloodstone
Other Language Names for Bloodstone
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Bloodstone associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 3 photos of Bloodstone associated with 'Carnelian' | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Bloodstone associated with 'Chalcedony' | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Bloodstone associated with Serpentine Subgroup | D3[Si2O5](OH)4 |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Bloodstone
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7616.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Bloodstone
Reference List:
Localities for Bloodstone
Showing 49 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| www.rubianna.com.au |
| Pirajno et al. (1998) | |
Brazil | |
Bulgaria | |
| Marcus Voigt Collection |
Canada | |
| Leiper (1966) | |
Czech Republic | |
| Duda |
Falkland Islands | |
| Aldiss et al. (1999) | |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (2025) |
India | |
| Richard M. Pearl: "Minerals of India" |
| Mason (1976) | |
Italy | |
| Zepharovich (1859) +3 other references |
| Exel (1987) |
Romania | |
| Primics (1886) |
| Own found 2006 |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross (2004) |
Uruguay | |
USA | |
| Symons (1940) +1 other reference |
| Troxel et al. (1962) +3 other references |
| Berkholz |
| Hagar |
| Strong |
| Department of the Interior +2 other references |
| Sterrett (1913) +1 other reference |
| Symons (1940) +1 other reference |
| - (2005) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Orcutt (1878) |
| Cook (1978) |
| Cook (1978) | |
| Cook (1978) |
| Kunz (1890) | |
| King (n.d.) |
| Morrill and Hinckley |
| Morrill and Hinckley | |
| Manchester (1931) |
| Manchester (1931) |
| MacFall (1951) |
| The Mineralogist |
| Dorothy M. Schlegal (1957) |
| Lapham et al. (1965) |
| AmMin 11:334-340 |
| www.omsinc.org (2008) |
| Smith (1991) |
Morbi, Morbi District, Gujarat, India