mineral
Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2 with iron oxide inclusions)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Dark green with red, reddish-brown, or yellow spots/veins; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Microcrystalline trigonal structure; Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Dark green with red, reddish-brown, or yellow spots/veins
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Bloodstone (Heliotrope) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Dark green with red, reddish-brown, or yellow spots/veins; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Microcrystalline trigonal structure; Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed at low temperatures through the deposition of silica-rich fluids in rock cavities and fractures, with red inclusions caused by hematite or jasper.
Uses & applications
Popular as a gemstone for cabochons, carvings, beads, polished tumbled stones, and ornamental items.
Geological facts
Historically known as Heliotrope, which means 'to turn toward the sun', it was traditionally believed to turn the sun's image red when submerged in water.
Field identification & locations
Look for a dark green chalcedony/jasper base matrix with characteristic flecks or veins of red hematite inclusions. Common locations include India, Brazil, Australia, and Madagascar.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock