Why is Bloodstone the Alternative March Birthstone?
Chances are you've heard of the March birthstone aquamarine... but did you know there are actually two gems associated with the month of March? Bloodstone is considered an 'alternative' March birthstone, perhaps because of its gothic colour palette and unusual history.
Here, Gem-A gemmology tutor Lily Faber FGA EG delves into the properties of bloodstone, which is sometimes known as heliotrope or 'blood jasper'.
What is Bloodstone?
Bloodstone is an opaque polycrystalline chalcedony (a type of quartz) consisting of dark green jasper with spots or larger areas of red, iron oxide inclusions.
These inclusions resemble spots of blood, hence its name. The inclusions can also be other colours such as yellow or white, but red is the most well-known and popular. You can find bloodstone embedded in rocks or in riverbeds in countries such as India, Brazil, Australia, Germany, the United States, Italy and South Africa.
Other types of polycrystalline quartz include agate, onyx, carnelian, sard, prase, aventurine, tiger's eye and silicified wood.
The Mythical Properties of Bloodstone
Bloodstone is an ancient gem material that was used by the Babylonians (pre-539 BC) to make amulets and talismans with healing properties. The Ancient Egyptians believed bloodstone could make an individual stronger and more stealthy in battle, maybe even invisible to their enemies.
Throughout history, bloodstone has been connected with an ability to control the weather, predict the future, win courtroom battles and increase creativity. In fact, it was so loved for its properties that many used the stone in jewellery, signet rings and even small cups or statues.
This ancient fascination with bloodstone is what makes many view it as the more 'traditional' choice for the month of March, as opposed to the more commercially successful and widely-known beryl, aquamarine.
Bloodstone consists of dark green jasper with iron oxide inclusions. Image: Pat Daly @ Gem-A.
Historical Use of Bloodstone
Bloodstone was typically fashioned into amulets and carved with a family's coat of arms or crest. These bloodstone intaglios could then be placed in signet rings and used as melted wax seals.
This gem material has also been used as panels in snuff boxes, and in a more decorative manner in pietra dura inlay, cabinet doors and larger items of furniture.
In the 17th century during the Renaissance, bloodstone was carved into forms such as a nef - a shallow bowl on a footed stem mounted with gold and other gemstones such as garnets.
An example of this form can be seen at the Waddesdon Bequest at the British Museum.
In contemporary jewellery designs, bloodstone is typically found in polished oval or emerald-shaped cabochons that showcase its characteristic veins and specks of red. Bloodstone is commonly carved into beads for necklaces and bracelets, which can be worn everyday as 'lucky charms'.
Bloodstone Care and Caution
Bloodstone is a polycrystalline material and as is fairly tough and resistant to fractures and chipping. As bloodstone is a type of quartz it has a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it fairly resistant to scratches, but caution must still be exercised when wearing bloodstone. When cleaning, use a soft cloth or brush and warm, soapy water.
Discover more Birthstone Guides on the Gem-A Blog.
Start your gemmology journey with a Gem-A Workshop or our world-renowned Gemmology Foundation and Diploma courses. Speak to a member of the Gem-A education team to find out more on education@gem-a.com.
Cover image: Close up view of bloodstone by Pat Daly, Gem-A.
The Fascinating History of Antique Turquoise Jewellery
In his third Gemstone Conversations column for Gems&Jewellery, Jewellery Historian and Valuer John Benjamin FGA DGA FIRV explores the fascinating history of turquoise and its use in jewellery design from the Shahs of Persia to the Art Deco design movement.
Birthstone Guide: Garnet For Those Born In January
If you're lucky enough to be born in January, vibrant garnet is your birthstone. A rainbow jewel of the gem world, garnet displays the greatest variety of colour of any mineral and is very often untreated, making it a rarity in the gem world.
Getting Started with Quartz Inclusions
Do you know your calcite inclusions from your dumortierite, epidote, fluorite and rutile? Here, Charles Bexfield FGA DGA EG explores some incredible quartz inclusions and explains what to look for when shopping for quartz specimens.
Understanding Iridescence: Opals, Pearls, Moonstones and Fractured Stones
Iridescence has to be one of the most mesmerising and magical optical effects seen in gemstones. But have you ever wondered how it occurs? Gem-A's Collection Curator Barbara Kolator FGA DGA shines a light on this fascinating optical effect and tells us about the gems that are most likely to display it.
Hidden Treasures: Highlights of Gem-A's Gemstones and Minerals Collection
Gem-A Gemmology Tutor Pat Daly FGA DGA offers us a glimpse at some of the more unusual items in Gem-A's Gemstones and Minerals Collection.
Tanzanite: The Contemporary December Birthstone
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for a December baby? Gem-A tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG considers tanzanite – one of three birthstones for December – and shares how this relatively new gemstone compares to its purple and blue-hued rivals.
Birthstone Guide: Turquoise For Those Born In December
Beautiful blue turquoise is one of three birthstones for the month of December (in addition to zircon and tanzanite). It is enriched with real cultural significance that can be traced back thousands of years. Here, we explore the blue shades of turquoise and explain what makes this gemstone so special...
Understanding the Cat's Eye Effect in Gemstones
Chatoyancy is the gemmological name given to the curious optical effect in which a band of light is reflected in cabochon-cut gemstones, creating an appearance similar to light bouncing off a cat's eye. Gem-A's Collection Curator, Barbara Kolator FGA DGA explains chatoyancy and highlights some of the many gems in which it can occur.
Jade and its Importance in China
Jade has long been revered by gem lovers internationally, but nowhere more so than in China. But what is it that makes this gemstone so special? Gem-A's Assistant Gemmology Tutor Dr Juliette Hibou FGA gives us an overview of jade, how to identify it and its significance in Chinese culture.
Highlights of Gem-A Conference 2019
The Gem-A Conference is always the highlight of our gemmological calendar! If you didn’t manage to make it, we’ve put together a few of the highlights from this year’s event to fill you in on what you missed, and whet your appetite for Gem-A Conference 2020!