Bloodstone

Bloodstone, historically referred to as Heliotrope in European lapidary and Pitoniya in Indian gemology, is an opaque-to-translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz (Chalcedony, SiO₂):

• The Green Host Body: The rich, dark forest-green base color is caused by dense microscopic chlorite, amphibole, or pyroxene mineral inclusions intergrown within cryptocrystalline silica fibers.
• The Characteristic Red Spots: The distinctive crimson or blood-red speckles and blotches are caused by concentrated inclusions of iron oxide minerals—predominantly Hematite (Fe₂O₃) or red jasper—deposited during subterranean silica precipitation.
• Indian Provenance: India, with its Deccan Trap basalts, is a classic source of bloodstone. Our in-stock pieces are smooth Oval Cabochons from 7.54 to 10.85 carats. Explore complete grading and authenticity standards in our Bloodstone Complete Guide.

Due to ornamental popularity, green glass with painted red flecks or synthetic resin composites occasionally appear on the market:

• Embedded Mineral Depth: In authentic natural bloodstone, the red hematite spots are suspended three-dimensionally inside the translucent green chalcedony aggregate. Under 10x magnification, these spots show organic, feathery, or irregular mineral boundaries, whereas painted imitations feature flat surface dots that can be scratched off.
• Density & Heft (Specific Gravity): Authentic bloodstone has a specific gravity of about 2.58 to 2.64 and feels distinctly cool to the touch. Plastic or synthetic resin substitutes feel lightweight, warm quickly, and lack mineral density.
• Hardness & Texture: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, bloodstone easily scratches ordinary glass and cannot be scratched by a steel pocket knife or copper coin.
• Our Bloodstone: Every Bloodstone at Ratna Gems is natural, earth-mined and untreated, with an independent lab report.

Every Bloodstone (Pitoniya / Heliotrope) gemstone sold by Ratna Gems is individually tested and comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. The certificate identifies the mineral species as Natural Quartz (Microcrystalline), gemstone variety as Natural Chalcedony (Bloodstone / Heliotrope), exact carat and ratti weight, dimensions, specific gravity (2.58–2.64), refractive index (spot reading about 1.54), hardness (6.5–7.0 on Mohs scale), confirms diagnostic hematite inclusions, and verifies untreated natural status. Each report carries its own report number, which you can quote to the laboratory to check it.

Lab Report Included: Every gemstone comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory at no extra charge. If you specifically require an additional report from GII, IIGJ, or IGI, you can select it from the certification dropdown on the product page (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

As a tough microcrystalline quartz aggregate with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 and no cleavage planes, Bloodstone is exceptionally resilient for daily jewelry wear:

• Toughness & Durability: Because chalcedony is composed of microscopic interlocking quartz fibers, it exhibits superior fracture toughness compared to single-crystal gems, making it historically ideal for signet rings, men’s rings, and daily amulets.
• Settings: Oval cabochons mount securely in bezel, flush, or prong settings in sterling silver, gold, or brass jewelry.
• Safe Cleaning: Wash gently with lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth. While chalcedony is durable, avoid boiling water, harsh industrial solvents, and aggressive ultrasonic cleaners with fractured stones. Store in a soft pouch away from diamond jewelry.

Across centuries of traditional European lapidary and classical Indian Vedic customs, historical literature outlines the following customary conventions:

• Customary Metals: Traditionally set in Sterling Silver (925 Silver), Panchdhatu, or Yellow Gold to complement the earthy green and red contrast.
• Traditional Placement: Customarily worn as a cabochon signet ring on the ring finger (Anamika) or little finger of the dominant hand, or as a pendant resting against the chest.
• Traditional Timing: Customarily set or worn on Tuesday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) during sunrise.
• Traditional Context: In traditional Indian astrology, Bloodstone (Pitoniya) is recognized as an affordable substitute (Upratna) for Natural Red Coral (Moonga) associated with Mars (Mangal), and historically recognized as an alternative birthstone for March.