Cryptocrystalline - Chrysoprase and Bloodstone

Hi everyone,

Today I would like to discuss the next part of the cryptocrystalline family and talk about chrysoprase and bloodstone.  These two rare gemstones are very unique and different.  I like the look of bloodstone.  The unique patterns that are in them.  I hope everyone will enjoy the learning and the journey we are going to take on the path to chrysoprase and bloodstone. Also just a note that all the information that is being used in this blog is from the book Gemstones of The World  by Walter Schumann.

So let's talk chrysoprase.  The colour of the gem is green, apple-green and the colour streak is white.  The Mohs hardness is 6.5-7 and the density is 2.58-2.64.  There is no cleavage and the chemical composition is silicon dioxide.  The transparency is translucent to opaque.  According to Mr. Schumann the gemstone chrysoprase is considered to be the most valuable of all the gemstones in the chalcedony group.  The name is Greek meaning gold-leek.  The fine quartz fibres have a radial structure.  The colouring agent is nickel.  The colour can fade in the sunlight and when heated but may be recovered under moist storage.  The gemstone occurs as nodules or filling in clefts in serpentine rocks and in weathered materials of nickel ore deposits.  The stone can be found in Australia, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and California.  Chrysoprase is used as cabochons, necklaces and ornamental objects.  In earlier centuries is was used as a decorative stone for the Wenceslaus Chapel in Prague, and in the Sanssouci Castle in Potsdam.

Chrysoprase stones

The bloodstone is a dark-green chalcedony with red spots and is an opaque stone.  A name that is still used in Europe is Heliotrope which is Greek for sun turner.  The green colour is caused by particles of chlorite or included hornblende needles.  The red spots are caused by iron oxide and the colours are not always constant.  According to Mr. Schumann the most important deposits are found in India but are also found in Australia, Brazil, China, and the United States.  The bloodstone is often used as seals on men's rings and for ornamental objects.  There is a trade name that is sometimes used which is blood jasper but that can be confusing as bloodstone is not a jasper.



bloodstone gemstone

 I hope that everyone had a great time learning and journeying on the path to chrysoprase and bloodstone.  I had fun and I learned some really interesting things today.  I hope you will drop me a line and let me know how I am doing.  Until next time.

The rare gem lady