Antique Nepalese Seven Stripe Chung Dzi with Bloodspots

Antique Nepalese Seven Stripe Chung Dzi with Bloodspots

This bead is adorned with the Seven Stripe Motif.  The Striped Motif is believed to bring never-ending success and prosperity.  Businessmen are especially fond of this motif.

This bead measures 56.5 mm x 11.8 mm.  It is estimated to be between 200 to 500 years old

The bead material is high quality natural agate.  The bloodspots appear on this bead in the form of both specks and striations.

It is in extremely good condition.  There are no cracks on this bead.  As with all antique dzi beads, weathering marks and minor digs are all part of its beauty.

Bloodspot (Cinnabar Dot) info:

Cinnabar dots are also known as "bloodspots" or "硃砂" in Chinese.  They occur when mercury and sulfur are present when the agate was formed.  Mercuric sulfide (or cinnabar) is obtained when mercury reacts with sulfur.  In its purest form, the color is a deep red.  In fact, it is how vermilion pigment is made.  However, it is difficult and rare to find it in its purest form in agate.  The purest form, used to make vermillion, is usually obtained in labs where conditions can be controlled.  In nature, there is usually other material present thus giving it slight variations in its redness.