Heliotrope (mineral)

Heliotrope is another term for bloodstone, a form of Chalcedony, which is cryptocrystalline quartz. Heliotrope is green jasper with red inclusions. The red is sometimes caused by iron oxide or red jasper. The 'classic' Bloodstone is green jasper rock with spots of red throughout the stone. Sometimes yellow and/or other colors of jasper will be within the rock. Having some other colors with the Bloodstone is possible, but these multi-colored gemstones are usually called 'fancy jasper'.

Bloodstone is the original birthstone for March. Today, Bloodstone and Aquamarine are both considered the gemstones for March.

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Sources

Primary source India. Also found in Brazil, China, Australia, and the United States.

German name

Hematite is called bloodstone in Germany . Helitrope is called bluestone to differentiate the two.

Legends and Lore

It is said that Bloodstone creates harmony and balance. It also promotes self esteem.

In the Middle Ages the red spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus, and it was believed to have miraculous powers, including making its wearer invisible. Boccaccio writes about it in his Decameron (VIII, 3).

Properties

Hardness on the Mohs scale: 7
Crystal structure: Trigonal
Composition: Silicon dioxide
Specific gravity: 2.61
Refraction Index: 1.53-1.54
Birefraction Index: 0.004
Luster: vitreous

References

Hall, Candy (1994). Gem Stones. DK Publishing. ISBN 1-56458-498-4