Antique Garuda Motif Dzi Bead with Bloodspots (TiD-Ant-B-Garuda-011425)

Antique Garuda Motif Dzi Bead with Bloodspots (TiD-Ant-B-Garuda-011425)

This bead is adorned with the Garuda Motif.  The Garuda Motif is a symbol of protection.  The Garuda is a creature of Hindu mythology that has a mix of Eagle and Human features.  He is the vehicle of Vishnu and appears on his banner.  He is the enemy of snakes and pestilence.  The Garuda Motif protects its wearer from disease and other calamities.

This bead measures 32.5 mm x 11.7 mm.  It is an old bead, estimated to be between 300 to 500 years old.

The bead material is high quality natural agate. There are natural bloodspot inclusions on this bead.

This piece is in excellent condition.  There are no cracks on this bead. 

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.

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photo courtesy of www.ancientdzishop.com