- Heliotrope (mineral)
The mineral heliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a form of
chalcedony , which is acryptocrystalline quartz . The "classic" bloodstone is greenjasper with red inclusions ofiron oxide (red jasper). Sometimes yellow and/or othercolors of jasper are also present, but these multi-coloredgemstones are usually called "fancy jasper".The red inclusions are supposed to resemble spots of
blood ; hence the name "bloodstone". The name "heliotrope" (from Greek "helios", Sun, "trepein", to turn) derives from various ancient notions about the manner in which the mineral reflects light.ources
The primary source of the stone is
India . It is also found inBrazil ,China ,Australia , and theUnited States .Legends and lore
Bloodstone is the original birthstone for March. Today, bloodstone, jasper and
aquamarine are all considered thegemstones for March. It is said that bloodstone creates harmony and balance, and promotes self-esteem.In the
Middle Ages the red spots were thought to be the blood ofJesus , and the stone was believed to have miraculous powers, including making its wearer invisible. Boccaccio writes about it in his "Decameron " (VIII, 3). Medieval Christians often used bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion andmartyrs , leading it to also be dubbed "martyr's stone". Even today, finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine andaphrodisiac in India.Properties
Hardness on the Mohs scale: 6.5-7
Crystal structure: Trigonal
Composition:Silicon dioxide with traces of impuritiesSpecific gravity : 2.61Refraction index : 1.53-1.54
Birefraction index: 0.004
Luster: VitreousReferences
Hall, Candy (1994). Gem Stones. DK Publishing. ISBN 1-56458-498-4
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