Chalcedony

 

Name: Chalcedony
Color(s): White, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Black, Banded, Multicolored
Mineral Information: cryptocrystalline form of silica
Chemical Make-up: SiO2
Hardness: 7
Where they are found: Chalcedony is abundant and found worldwide
About Stone: The Chalcedony is a child of the Quartz family, sibling to Amethyst, Ametrine Aventurine, Citrine (as well as others) and is the parent of Agates, Bloodstone, Chrysoprase, Jaspers and Onyx…it sometimes has been known to contain trace amounts of Opal as well.
Agate – Banded variety of Chalcedony.
Aventurine – Opaque, compact Quartz / Chalcedony containing small Mica, Hematite, or Goethite scales which cause a glistening effect. Aventurine is most often green but may also be other colors such as gray, orange, and brown.
Binghamite – Chalcedony with dense, parallel inclusions of Goethite. Its color is a multicolored yellowish to reddish, and it exhibits chatoyancy. Binghamite was found in the Cuyuna Iron Range in Minnesota, and is used as a rare gemstone.
Bloodstone – Dark green to greenish blue variety of Chalcedony speckled with red or brown spots.
Carnelian – Red to amber-red translucent variety of Chalcedony.
Chrysoprase – Apple green variety of Chalcedony.
Fire Agate – Form of Agate or Chalcedony that is iridescent with a play of colors or “fire” similar to that of Opal. Fire Agates usually have botryoidal growth included in their interior. The play of color is caused by inclusions of Goethite or Limonite.
Holly Blue – Translucent, violet-blue gemstone variety of Chalcedony.
Jasper – Opaque form of Chalcedony, most often used to describe brown, yellow, or reddish colors.
Moss Agate – Chalcedony containing dense inclusions of green Hornblende that cause the pattern to resemble moss. Moss Agate is technically not a true Agate as it lacks the banding patterns of Agate.
Onyx – Type of Chalcedony gemstone whose meaning can have several connotations. Its most practical gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony.
Plasma – Dark green variety of Chalcedony. It often contains small white or yellow spots.
Prase – Light to emerald green, transparent to translucent Quartz / Chalcedony, with coloring caused from inclusions of green minerals, such as Actinolite, Hedenbergite, Chlorite, or Malachite.
Sard – Brownish to brownish-red, transparent to translucent form of Chalcedony. A gemstone can sometime borderline between falling under the definition of Sard and Carnelian, and either term used will be valid.
Sardonyx – Form of Agate with parallel bands of brownish to red alternating with white or sometimes black bands.
Tiger’s Eye – Pseudomorph of compact Quartz/Chalcedony after the fibrous mineral Crocidolite. Tiger’s Eye is famous for its chatoyant effect.
Zodiac Association: Cancer, Sagittarius
Metaphysical Properties: A dreamy stone with a gentle energy that fosters balance between mind, body and spirit. It reduces hostility, anger, and irritation. It soothes and fosters mental and emotional stability and can facilitate emotional honesty. Helps insomnia & sleeping problems.