Chalcedony (kal SED uh nee) is one of the cryptocrystalline varieties of the mineral Quartz which includes any form of Quartz whose crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification. The rough gemstone has a waxy lustre, may be semi-transparent or translucent and is usually white to grey, greyish-blue or some shade of brown. It can also be virtually black.
Only translucent single coloured gemstones are known as Chalcedony whilst all others are known by different names or specifically as Jasper or Agate. The clear red variety is known as Carnelian, green which is coloured by Nickel oxide is Chrysoprase and Onyx is black and white banded Chalcedony. The bright to Emerald green variety is known as Plasma and those gemstones which feature small red spots of Jasper are as known as Bloodstone. The change in colour in Chalcedony is as a result of metallic impurities such as Iron, Nickel, Copper and Titanium which is present during crystallization.
Throughout history, mankind has valued both gemstones and minerals for practical, mythical, and aesthetic reasons. The practical uses of minerals probably dominated in the past just as they do today. Archaeological evidence from Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania suggests that man's tool-making ability may date back more than two million years, starting with primitively chipped pebble tools. Arrow and spear heads dating back as far as forty thousand years have been found at sites all over North America as well as in France, Egypt and other North African countries. These tools allowed for the hunting of animals such as the mastodon.
As a result of its abundance, durability and beauty, Chalcedony was except for sticks, animal skins, bones, plain rocks and possibly Obsidian, the earliest raw material used by man. Its earliest recorded use was for projectile points, knives, tools and containers such as cups and bowls. Weapons and tools were made from many different varieties of Chalcedony including Agate, Flint, Jasper and Petrified Wood. The move from using certain items as weapons and tools to using the same items for ceremonial and personal adornment is easily made. It was only natural for early man to use his finest looking knife for special occasions or to attach a special lance point or arrowhead to his tunic. In fact Agate and Petrified Wood may have simply been elevated to gemstones from common and functional weapons or tools.
Chalcedony was considered to be sacred by the Native American Indians who used it to promote stability within their tribes.
In crystal healing, Chalcedony is believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Wearing it is said to be beneficial for both the eyes and for promoting calmness and tranquillity. It is also believed to stimulate creativity. Its energies are soothing and stabilizing, it enhances mental stability, promotes inner peace and emotional honesty and dispels the negative energies that manifest as anger. Chalcedony can also balance the energy of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. It is also believed to be effective for the elimination of negative influences that can cause bad dreams.
Although found in many parts of the world, the most prized gemstones come from India, Madagascar, Burma, Brazil, Mexico & USA.
Chalcedony is graded 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness so is excellent for use in jewellery.
Further reading:
Chalcedony
Chalcedony
Our collection of Chalcedony jewellery
| ← Carnelian | Charoite → |
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