Bloodstone
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs
Enhancement Code: Natural
Quality Information:
Standard: Dark green with red to brownish spots
Care: Rated “fair” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat, contact with chemicals and protect from scratches and harsh blows. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.
Major Sources: Australia, Brazil, China, India, United States
The combination of profound deep green spangled with vivid spots of red earns this unusual stone the gothically romantic name of bloodstone. The startling colour contrast has spawned many legends, but today it is valued for its unique aesthetic appeal.
Frequently used as a birthstone for March, bloodstone is also considered by various cultures as an aid to sobriety and also, perhaps surprisingly, as an aphrodisiac.