BLOODSTONE. 59 
Chrysoprase is generally cut into a convex form, or 
what jewellers call en cabochon ; and is set with green 
tafFeta beneath it, as foil. It is used for ring stones, 
brooches, and other ornaments ; and is found to harmo- 
nize well with diamonds and pearls. The larger and 
more impure masses are cut into snuff-boxes, seal 
stones, and similar articles. Some of the finest speci^ 
mens of chrysoprase that are known, are to be seen in 
the cathedra! church of Prague, where a small closet is 
inlaid with them. 
Imitations of chrysoprase are sometimes imposed 
upon the public ; but these are easily known by persons 
who are acquainted with the nature of precious stones. 
95. BLOODSTONE, or HELIOTROPE, is an opaqut 
stone of the quartz family, generally of dark green colour, 
with a somewhat bluish cast, and marked with blood-red spots 
or stripes. 
It usually occurs in masses of irregular form ; and, lohcn 
CMt thin, is sometimes translucent at the edges. 
The most valuable kinds of bloodstone are imported 
from the East. They are not so opaque as those which 
are found in Germany, and are marked with more vivid 
spots. As bloodstone is capable of a high polish, and 
is even better calculated for engraving upon than cor- 
nelian (93), it is in great request for seal stones, for the 
tops and bottoms of snuff-boxes, and other articles 
on which costl} 7 gold mountings are frequently be- 
stowed. Its dark colour and opaque appearance prevent 
its being much used for beads. Great quantities of it 
are consumed in China as ornaments to the girdle clasps 
of the superior ranks of people. Absurd as it may ap- 
pear, many persons entertain a notion that this stone 
worn in the dress will prevent bleeding at the nose. 
Good bloodstone and carnelian are considered to be 
about the same value. 
There are many cameos and intaglios, both by an- 
cients and moderns, executed in bloodstone. In the 
National Library at Paris, there is a fine engraved stone 
of this kind, representing the head of Christ whilst un- 
