With its deep green color splashed with bold red spots, bloodstone has fascinated folks for centuries. Its unique appearance makes it a standout piece in any collection. Because of this, finding it is an exciting challenge for any rockhound.
The journey to find this gem can take you through some of the most stunning landscapes our country has to offer. From rugged mountains to serene deserts, here’s a great guide to the best places in the US to find bloodstone. Let’s dive in!
Best Places To Uncover Bloodstone
Also known as heliotrope, bloodstone is a type of chalcedony that’s often found in areas with volcanic rock formations. Locations known for their diverse mineral deposits are also good places to start looking for this gem.
Here are the best places across the US where you might find bloodstone:
Graveyard Point, Oregon
Graveyard Point, located near the Oregon-Idaho border, is a hotspot for rockhounds. This area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, with vast plains and rugged cliffs that overlook the Snake River.
Its geology is diverse, featuring layers of volcanic rock and sediments that have been shaped over millions of years. Its terrain can be challenging, with rocky outcrops and steep slopes.
While Graveyard Point is famous for its beautiful plume agates, it also offers a chance to find other treasures like jaspers and potentially bloodstone.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a mix of forests, lakes, and rugged terrain that’s as beautiful as it is rich in geological wonders. It’s famous for its history of mining, especially copper and iron, which tells you how geologically diverse it is.
With its ancient volcanic activity and glaciers that once covered the land, the Upper Peninsula has a variety of rocks and minerals, including bloodstone.
Its terrain, with its dense forests and sprawling lakeshores, makes for an exciting exploration area, where your every turn might reveal something unexpected.
Owyhee Mountains, Idaho
The Owyhee Mountains in Idaho are full of diverse landscapes from rolling hills to sharp cliffs. Its terrain has a mix of hard rock and softer sedimentary layers.
The mountains are part of a volcanic region, giving them a rich geological foundation that’s as fascinating as it is varied. You can find a range of minerals and gemstones here.
The Owyhee Mountains’ unique geology might surprise you with what it has to offer, especially as regards its bloodstone.
Jefferson County, Montana
Jefferson County, Montana, is a spot where nature’s beauty meets geological diversity. Its landscape is a stunning mix of mountains and valleys, offering breathtaking views and a variety of terrains to explore.
This part of Montana is known for its rich history of mining, which hints at the geological treasures hidden beneath the surface.
While this county may not be the first place you’d think to look for bloodstone, its mix of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks provides ample opportunity for discoveries.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona is surrounded by mountains and dotted with cacti. This city sits in a valley filled with a rich mix of desert landscapes and geological wonders.
It’s near areas known for their amazing mineral finds, including copper and turquoise, thanks to the volcanic activity and rich mineral deposits in the region.
The same surrounding areas could be promising spots for bloodstone and other gems. Exploring the desert and mountain areas near Tucson can be an adventure with potential finds.
Mojave Desert, California
The Mojave Desert is a vast and striking landscape, where wide-open spaces meet rugged mountains and the ground is dotted with unique plants like Joshua trees.
It’s a place of extreme conditions, with scorching heat by day and chilly nights, but for those who love rocks, it’s full of possibilities. Its geology is a mix of volcanic rocks and ancient lake beds.
The area’s rich volcanic history gives it the potential to bear bloodstone. You can explore the desert, finding places where water once flowed or lava cooled slowly.
Maury Mountain, Oregon
Maury Mountain is a place in Oregon where the beauty of nature meets the thrill of discovery. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, with towering trees, wide-open skies, and the peaceful silence of nature.
Its geology is fascinating, offering a mix of volcanic rocks and ancient sediments. This combination makes it a great place for you to explore.
While Maury Mountain is famous for its colorful agates and jaspers, the area’s volcanic history suggests there might be a chance to find bloodstone, too.
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
The Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho are full of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and clear, sparkling lakes. It’s a place where you can feel the grandeur of nature all around you.
Its mountains are named for their sharp, tooth-like ridges, and they offer some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. Geologically, the Sawtooths are a mix of granite and metamorphic rocks.
This variety makes the region a fascinating place to explore. Its diverse geology means there’s always a chance to find bloodstone.
Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills are a special place in South Dakota where the air feels fresh, and the scenery is just beautiful. It’s filled with forests, mountains, and clear streams, making it a peaceful spot.
These hills are known for their rich history and the famous Mount Rushmore, but there’s so much more to explore, especially for rockhounds.
Geologically, the Black Hills have a lot to offer because of their complex makeup of granite, limestone, and other rocks. This means you could find here a variety of minerals, including bloodstone.
Pikes Peak, Colorado
Pikes Peak, Colorado, is a giant among mountains, standing tall and proud against the sky. You can see it for miles around, with forests and rocky slopes.
The ground here tells a story of ancient oceans, fiery volcanoes, and towering mountains that have risen and fallen over millions of years. Pikes Peak is mainly made of pink granite, a hard, sparkly rock.
The mountain’s rich geological history means there are plenty of other fascinating rocks and minerals to discover, including bloodstone.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is like a giant outdoor museum, where every rock, lake, and mountain tells a story. It’s full of glaciers, deep forests, and towering peaks that seem to touch the sky.
The park’s geology is a mix of everything from ancient rocks formed billions of years ago to newer stones shaped by glaciers.
The variety of rocks here is incredible. Exploring this park is like going on a treasure hunt, where you never know what you’ll find next.
Adirondack Mountains, New York
With their towering peaks, deep forests, and clear lakes, the Adirondack Mountains in New York offer a world of adventure. Here, you can hike for hours, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.
These mountains are not just beautiful; they’re also full of geological wonders. The Adirondacks are made up of some of the oldest rocks on the planet, including granite and metamorphic rocks.
The area’s rich geology means there’s always something interesting underfoot, such as bloodstones.
St. Francois Mountains, Missouri
The St. Francois Mountains in Missouri aren’t just beautiful; they’re also one of the oldest ranges in North America, full of history and mystery. With forests, rivers, and trails, it’s a perfect place for an adventure.
These mountains are made of ancient volcanic rocks that are billions of years old. The area is known for its unique geological features, including granite and rhyolite.
As you explore the St. Francois Mountains, you’ll see the marks left by ancient eruptions and the slow work of nature that has shaped these rocks over time.
