Bloodstone
Last updated: April 2026
Dark green opaque chalcedony with distinctive red, orange, or yellow spots from iron oxide inclusions (hematite, goethite). The green-with-red-spots pattern is visually diagnostic and rarely confused. Primary modern source is India; also Australia, Brazil, and China. Color is natural; treatments are rare. Sometimes sold as jasper in trade — jasper is fully opaque chalcedony with high impurity content.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.530–1.543
SG Range2.58–2.64
SG Typical2.61
Hardness (Mohs)6.5–7
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Optic CharacterAggregate
Dispersion0.013
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismNone
ColorsGreen, Multi
SpeciesQuartz
VarietyBloodstone (Heliotrope)
Related: Quartz Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Dark green opaque chalcedony with distinctive red/orange spots — diagnostically useful visual appearance
- Red spots caused by iron oxide (hematite/goethite) inclusions
- No other common gem material replicates the green-with-red-spots pattern
- Hardness 6.5–7; SG 2.58–2.64; RI ~1.535
- Primarily used in cabochons, carvings, and intaglios
Common Simulants
- Green glass with inclusions: Isotropic; gas bubbles; SG lower; red spots would be surface-painted not internal. Rare simulant — bloodstone appearance is difficult to fake convincingly.
- Dyed green jasper with surface spots: Examine red spots under 10× — natural spots are irregular, three-dimensional iron oxide concentrations, not surface paint.
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$2
Natural — high ($/ct)$30
NotePer carat; commercial bloodstone cabochons $2–10/ct; fine antique carved pieces command much higher prices
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a bloodstone? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →