Bloodstone Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Bloodstone Value

Bloodstones are relatively inexpensive gems available in many sizes. The color and number of their spots play the primary role in their value. Stones with a greater number of deep red or dark orange spots usually sell for higher prizes. Of course, the artistry of the lapidary also contributes to the value of a piece.

Does Bloodstone Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Although bloodstones can be faceted, they are more often cabbed or carved. Like other members of the quartz family, the stone's hardness makes it an excellent choice for jewelry.

With no cleavage and a tough tenacity, bloodstones are actually more durable than most gemstones. They're suitable for any type of wear. The combination of deep green and blood red results in a visually striking material.

What Does Bloodstone Symbolize?

Bloodstones have developed a rich folklore throughout the centuries, particularly through sympathetic associations with blood. For example, the mineralogist and folklorist George F. Kunz relates how these gems have been considered particularly effective against hemorrhages.

Bloodstones have also come to symbolize bravery, perhaps through their associations with blood, vitality, and the Roman god Mars. Bloodstone is the traditional birthstone for March, the month named after this god of war.

Due to the blood-like appearance of bloodstone's spots, Christians in the Middle Ages also popularly associated the gem with martyrdom and the crucifixion of Christ.

Identifying Characteristics

Bloodstone's body color is darker than fellow green chalcedonies such as chrysoprase and prase. Bloodstone's opacity is caused by inclusions of actinolite or hornblende needles.

The red to orange spots distinguish bloodstones from plasma gemstones. The presence of iron oxides, such as hematite, cause these spots.  However, some bloodstones may have few or no such spots.

Imitation Bloodstones

Although no synthetic bloodstones are known, gem buyers may encounter imitations or simulants. In particular, glass pieces can mimic bloodstone's colors. For example, the Japanese glass manufacturer Iimori has produced a green "maple stone" with red "flowers" that resembles bloodstone. However, despite appearances, glass and bloodstones have very different properties. A microscopic analysis reveals the "flowers" differ significantly from bloodstone spots.

Sources

Currently, India is the largest producer of bloodstones. Many localities in the United States produce this gemstone, principally in California.

Other notable gem-quality sources include the following:

• Australia; Brazil; Bulgaria; Canada; Czech Republic; Germany; Italy; Poland; Romania; Slovakia; South Africa.

Bloodstone Misnomers

The gem name "bloodstone" is quite evocative, so it's not surprising you'll see it misapplied either carelessly or deliberately. Buyer beware.

Please note that chicken-blood stone and bloodstone are distinct gem materials.

You may occasionally find hematite referred to as "bloodstone," likely because of its etymology. However, bloodstones and hematites are different gemstones, although some bloodstone may contain hematite.

You may also encounter opaque stones with predominantly red body color as well as opaque stones of any body color with notable red spots called "bloodstones" or "blood stones." Strictly speaking, these aren't true bloodstones. True bloodstones are chalcedonies with dark green body color and usually, but not always, red or orange spots.

"Blood Jasper"

Although opaque, single color, oxide-stained chalcedonies are usually considered jaspers, bloodstone isn't typically included in that category. It lacks the grainy structure also characteristic of jasper.

"Oriental Jasper"

Another example of a "jasper" name, this one tries to glamorize a familiar gem with an exotic association. Unfortunately, you can find many examples of this misleading naming practice that attempts to "exoticize" familiar gemstones.

How to Care for Your Bloodstone Jewelry

Bloodstones require no special care and can handle mechanical cleaning. Nevertheless, mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush are a good choice for cleaning, especially if these stones are set with other types of gems.

Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.

Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com

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