Chalcedony a Gemstone that Answers to Many Names
3 min reading time
If you are inclined to get technical, chalcedony is any form of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz, (that translates to “any form of quartz whose crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification”).
To keep it simple, only the translucent, single-color types are sold as "chalcedony" whereas the rest of this group are sold under individual variety names, or as jasper or agate. While the definitions overlap, jasper usually refers to an opaque, solid colored stone. Agate is defined either by its translucency, or by having a pattern to its colors.
Does Chalcedony play a role in history?
In Celtic mythology, chalcedony is linked to the goddess of the Clyde River, Clota. adding a spiritual dimension to this stone. In ancient Greek tradition, it is considered the stone of the Earth Mother, Gaia, symbolizing a connection with the mother earth.
Chalcedony is mentioned in the Bible’s book or Revelation, Chapter 21 listing what are believed to be the same gemstones on the Mountain of God. These are the 12 sacred gemstones include jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl topaz, jacinth and amethyst.
Why is Chalcedony Special?
Chalcedony comes in a range of colors and you are sure to recognize their names:
Necklace with bloodstone chalcedony
- Carnelian: semi-opaque red, orange red to brownish.
- Chatoyants: this type of chalcedony has a sheen that gives it an “eye-like” optical appearance, if it is blue it is called “Hawk’s eye,” brown or gold is known as “tiger’s eye,” and if blue and gold is present that is “zebra’s eye”
- Chrysoprase: a translucent green chalcedony colored by nickel and can be mistaken for jade
- Damsonite: has a purple tinge making it resemble amethyst
- Sard: brownish
- Prase: green to yellow
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Plasma: dark green with the potential for white or yellowish spots.
- Bloodstone: a variation of plasma with red and orange spots thanks to the addition of iron oxide
- Onyx: is a chalcedony with straight bands of colors, black onyx has black and white layers (most onyx used in jewelry is dyed). Sardonyx has white and red layers
- Fint and Chert: opaque and dull gray or white, they are not frequently used in jewelry,
Healing Properties: Chalcedony is known to bring inner peace, sooth emotions and improve physical health.
How to Care for Chalcedony Jewelry:
The great thing about chalcedony is a relatively hard stone compared to other gemstones, which is part of its appeal to jewelry designers. That means no special care is required.
A mild detergent, warm water and a soft brush work wonders.
Our artist friends here at Sundara Joon have been hard at work making some beautiful pieces incorporating this special stone. Check out their special jewelry for yourself.
Still Want More?
- IGS (International Gem Society) Article on Chalcedony
- The Gem Library article on Chalcedony