Curved or angular concentric banding in translucent white, gray, amber, red, and blue-gray tones, as well as dendritic...
Chemical formula
SiO₂ (Microcrystalline fibrous silica with trace iron/manganese oxides)
Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz • Quartz (Chalcedony / Plasma Aggregate)
Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
Deep forest-green semitranslucent to opaque chalcedony speckled with vivid crimson spots of iron oxide (hematite).
SiO₂ + Chlorite/Amphibole (green) and Hematite (red spots)Mohs 6.5 – 7.0 Mohs
Mineralogical & Gemological Profile
| Mineral Family | Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Quartz (Chalcedony / Plasma Aggregate) |
| Gemological Variety | Bloodstone (Heliotrope) |
| Chemical Composition | SiO₂ + Chlorite/Amphibole (green) and Hematite (red spots) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (Microcrystalline aggregate) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7.0 Mohs |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58 – 2.65 |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 – 1.540 |
Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior
Deep forest-green semitranslucent to opaque chalcedony speckled with vivid crimson spots of iron oxide (hematite).
Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities
Occurs in volcanic cavities in South Asia (Deccan Traps), Australia, and Brazil.
Collector Interest & Rarity Factors
Specimens with high-contrast, evenly distributed vermilion droplets on a rich dark-green groundmass.
Fine Jewelry Applications
Classic men's signet rings, heraldic intaglios, and flat-top cabochons.
Treatment Considerations & Disclosure
Almost always untreated natural material.
Care & Cleaning Instructions
Very tough and durable; clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Traditional Meaning
Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage
Known as Heliotrope ('sun-turner') in classical antiquity, symbolizing fortitude, sacrifice, and steadfastness. Traditional March birthstone.
Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.
Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz
Related Entries
Translucent warm orange, fiery sunset red, to brownish-red (sard).
Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Fe₂O₃ (Hematite/Iron Oxide sub-microscopic inclusions)
Vivid apple green to mint green; unlike emerald or chrome chalcedony, its color comes from trace nickel rather...
Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Ni²⁺ (Nickel-bearing phyllosilicate/pimelite inclusions)