[ANSTHRLD] Boodstone

[Formerly Known as Pop Tart Girl]

At Round Table, the question came up as to whether or not Bloodstone was
know in period.  This was in reference to documenting it for household name.
I have started doing some preliminary research on the question.  This is
what I have come up with so far.  Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a
variety of Chalcedony.  It is dark green and flecked with red spots of
Jasper.  According to legend, the stone could change water into blood when
exposed to air.   Bloodstone comes from India and Southwest Africa.  The
India origin makes it within the relm of possiblity that it was known in
Europe in period.  Other varieties of Chalcedony are Carnelian, Sard, Jasper
and Plasma.  The names generally refer to the color of the stone.  Carnelian
is used in crafting seals and signet rings as the highly polished stone does
not stick to wax.  I still have a way to go as far as finding any dates to
attach to the stone.  I haven't located the  book I found that listed known
dates for different stones and minerals.

Darcy