Since the Bronze Age, chalcedony has been prized for its ability to heal and promote emotional well-being. It is also known for fostering benevolence and bringing stability. It’s the time one of the March birthstones received greater attention, from multicolored agate to the most expensive blue chalcedony.
Chalcedony has significance beyond its price because of the meaning it has provided for so many cultures throughout history and today. Chalcedony is a significant kind of quartz, whether it is displayed as a natural green crystal or a beautiful tiger’s eye pendant. This is why.
| Chalcedony Color | Blue, Gray, Green, Black, Purple, Yellow, White, Pink |
| Birthstone Months | March / May |
| Hardness Scale | 7 on Mohs Scale |
| Mineral Class | Oxide |
| Symbolism | Balance, Stability, Goodwill, Peace |
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Table of Contents
Chalcedony: What Is It?
The oxide mineral family includes chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Agate, bloodstone, tiger’s eye, and green and blue chalcedony, to name a few, are some kinds.
Despite the fact that chalcedony is typically inexpensive, the finest blue chalcedony can cost more than $100 per carat. Chalcedony has a wide range of spiritual and religious associations, as well as possible healing powers.
Due to these advantages, its use in Feng Shui and meditation has increased. However, it is also frequently offered as a semi-precious gemstone for use in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It is a superb option for birthstone jewelry due to its diversity and Mohs hardness grade of 7.
What’s the appearance of Chalcedony?
Since chalcedony is translucent, some light can flow through it, but not all of it. Chalcedony is frequently cut and polished into jewelry stones, although raw crystals are frequently six-sided. Chalcedony has a waxy shine and a faintly milky look, which are two further distinguishing characteristics.
However, a lot of people are unaware of the variety of chalcedony varieties. There can be found blue, green, and gray chalcedony. Blue chalcedony is the most valuable and costly variety. The more expensive a piece of chalcedony is, the more saturated the color and the fewer the inclusions.
Red, black, purple, golden yellow, pink, and white are additionally used. The most typical chalcedony varieties and their distinctive colors are displayed in the chart below.
| Type of Chalcedony | Description |
| Agate | Many colors, and often banded, agate can be white, green, blue, orange, purple, and even black |
| Aventurine | Milkier than some chalcedony, aventurine ranges from light to deep green |
| Bloodstone | Distinguished by its unique muddy green and red hues or spots of brown and blue, bloodstone is seen as a spiritual stone |
| Carnelian | Carnelian ranges from red to reddish-brown and is often treated with heat to enhance color |
| Jasper | Jasper is usually spotted or has speckles and is a muddy brown |
| Onyx | Onyx is banded with black and white colors |
| Tiger’s Eye | Tiger’s eye is striped or banded, with yellow and brown hues |
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History of Chalcedony
Notwithstanding its characteristics being appreciated even in ancient times, chalcedony has significance today. The origin of the name is unknown; it could have originated in a Greek or Turkish hamlet. The use of chalcedony dates back to the Bronze Age, though, according to historians.
Chalcedony’s use for communicating and encouraging healing was made popular by the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians. Greek letter sealants have been found to be made of chalcedony. The Bible, the Prophet Muhammad, as well as Ancient Rome, and Egypt have all cited it. It has also been mentioned in speeches and books from other religious traditions.
Chalcedony was employed in Europe during the Renaissance and the 18th centuries as a talisman, for divination, and for ornamental purposes.
Meaning of Chalcedony
Chalcedony represents equilibrium and steadiness. In addition, the stone chalcedony has a symbolic meaning of protection, friendliness, and fraternity.
Chalcedony is related to the throat chakra in Feng Shui theory. The source of inner truth and expression is the throat chakra, which is located in the neck. It’s a crucial chakra for both balance and stability.
Chalcedony is highly regarded for its alleged medicinal properties. Chalcedony transforms depressing ideas by absorbing negative energies. Some people think it has beneficial qualities to nurture minds that are deteriorating. Some people use chalcedony to treat their skin issues and intestinal issues.
What is the origin of Chalcedony?
All across the world, chalcedony can be found. Iceland, India, Mexico, Namibia, Germany, Brazil, France, Italy, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, and the United States are currently the main sources of chalcedony (California and Oregon). Additionally, it is present in Afghanistan, a number of Middle Eastern nations, and Australia.
Chalcedony is a mineral that can be found in both sedimentary and volcanic rocks, according to geology. When silica gel and low temperature combine to make chalcedony, Weathered rocks emit silica gel (volcanic and sedimentary). Geodes occasionally include chalcedony, but this is less frequent.
Chalcedony is a mineral that is produced by the fine silica development in petrified wood and other fossilized materials. Impurities are extremely typical for many varieties of chalcedony because of how it forms. Manganese oxide is the most prevalent kind of impurity.
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What sign does Chalcedony represent?
One of May’s birthstones, chalcedony, is linked to the Gemini horoscope sign. Chalcedony complements and balances Gemini’s positive and negative traits in a variety of ways.
Geminis, which comprise everyone born between May 21 and June 20th, are seen as very outgoing. They thrive on social gatherings and interpersonal contact.
In this way, Chalcedony is the perfect gemstone for a Gemini. The gemstone chalcedony encourages friendship and brotherly/sisterly bonds. That promotes healthy relationships and takes care of the social needs that Geminis have so strongly. Chalcedony is utilized to promote harmony and stability at the same time. That’s beneficial, especially given how impulsive and erratic Geminis can be.
What family does Chalcedony belong to?
Chalcedony belongs to the oxide mineral group and to the quartz family. Agate, bloodstone, and onyx are just a few examples of other stones that belong to the quartz family. Macrocrystalline and cryptocrystalline quartz are the two main categories of quartz.
Quartz with a cryptocrystalline structure can be found in chalcedony. Quartz that is microcrystalline is often referred to as cryptocrystalline quartz. The surfaces of the gems in this category, like chalcedony, are both gritty and more fibrous. They are typically grouped in pyramid-shaped six-sided crystals.
FAQs
Chalcedony: A gemstone or not?
A semi-precious stone is a chalcedony. Agate, amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, moonstone, and turquoise are more examples of semi-precious gemstones. Although chalcedony and other semi-precious stones are frequently used in jewelry, they are not as valuable as precious stones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds.
How should I say “chalcedony”?
The pronunciation of chalcedony is [KAL] + [SED] + [UH] + [NEE]. How it does not exactly appear as it sounds, many people pronounce it incorrectly. The word “chalcedony” comes from the Latin “Chalcedonian”.
What is the purpose of chalcedony?
Chalcedony promotes inner tranquility and corrects imbalances. Its primary goals are to create stability and calm emotions. Chalcedony is a comfort to many, whether it is worn as jewelry or used as decor. It is also said to have medicinal qualities. These advantages are reported to include better skin and digestive wellness.
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Is chalcedony a pricey gem?
Chalcedony is a stone that may be both inexpensive and expensive. Chalcedony can cost as little as $1 or $2 per carat to as much as $100 per carat. One of the most expensive varieties is blue chalcedony. It might be costly to purchase transparent blue chalcedony with few inclusions, although less popular hues are more affordable.
