Introduction
Chalcedony is a family of gemstones that encompasses dozens of colored microcrystalline quartz gemstones. If you have heard of agate, onyx, carnelian, bloodstone, chrysoprase, or Aventurine, and you are guessing which family of gemstones they belong to, then you would be astonished to know that all these gemstones belong to the chalcedony family. All the varieties of chalcedony are considered to be semi-precious gemstones. The pronunciation of chalcedony is a bit typical – it is not the “ch”, like in “chat”, rather, it is pronounced as kal-SEH-duh-nee.
Chalcedony is a wonderful crystal known for its soft blue hues, affordable price points, diverse variety, and various astrological benefits. In the United States, a chalcedony variety called the blue lace agate is Nebraska’s official state gemstone. Let's take a deep dive into the meaning and uses of chalcedony, along with its history, symbolism, and most important of all, its astrological benefits.
What Is Chalcedony, Basically?
Most of the chalcedony stones that you will find in the market are gray, blue, or white. Among these three, the blue chalcedony gemstones are considered to be the most valuable – perhaps because they show subtle adularescence – an internal glow that is also found in moonstones.
Chalcedony is considered to be the May birthstone, and it is also considered to be the zodiac stone for Gemini. Also, bloodstone, one of the chalcedony varieties, is a March birthstone. Are you celebrating your wedding anniversary soon? If yes, then the chalcedony varieties have got you covered. Among the various chalcedony varieties, onyx is considered to be the traditional 7th-anniversary gemstone, carnelian is considered to be the 17th, and chrysoprase is considered to be the 18th-anniversary gemstone.
Some of the Characteristic Traits of Chalcedony
Chalcedony crystals are nothing but microcrystalline quartz. You must be thinking of what it means. Well, a specimen of a quartz crystal can either be macrocrystalline, meaning, having large, visible crystal, or it can be microcrystalline, where it has tiny, microscopic crystals densely compacted together. Amethyst and citrine are macrocrystalline, for instance, whereas bloodstone and onyx are microcrystalline.
But the definition of chalcedony doesn’t end here. Most chalcedony gemstones are a combination of microcrystalline quartz and moganite. Don’t confuse moganite with morganite – moganite is another silica stone with an altogether different crystal structure than quartz. The percentage of moganite present in chalcedony typically varies between 1 to 20 percent. On the Moh’s hardness scale, chalcedony ranks anywhere between 6 to 7. Composed mainly of silicon dioxide, it can show white streaks.
History of Chalcedony Gemstone
The name “chalcedony” is derived from the Latin words ‘chalcedonius’ and ’calchedonius’. One of the well-known German mineralogists, Georgius Agricola wrote in 1546 that there has to be some possible collection between this gemstone and Chalcedon, an ancient seaport in present-day Kadıköy, Turkey. Also, in 75 AD, a Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder used “chalcedony” for describing translucent jasper in his work, Naturalis Historia.
In the Bible, the meaning of chalcedony is mentioned in Revelations as one of the 12 Foundation Stones. This is the same list that inspired modern-day birthstones. Even in Judaism, the gems on the High Priest’s breastplate included varieties of chrysoprase, jasper, and sardonyx. If you talk about the earliest archaeological evidence of chalcedony uses, you will find that it dates back to 30,000 BC when chalcedony was being used for tools and ceremonial knives. Throughout history, you will find evidence of chalcedony seals, as far back as 1800 BC to 1st century AD.
Chalcedony’s Formation and Mining Locations
As the hot magma in volcanoes moves, the chalcedony’s formation starts. Volcanic activity and actions push the magma to the earth’s surface, just below the earth's crust. Gas bubbles are formed as the hot magma begins to cool down and solidify, thus leaving empty spaces in the hardened rocks.
Silica and mineral-rich water makes its way into the space in between this solidified magma, where the minerals crystallize and water evaporates. Various impurities present in the silica and water-rich water give chalcedony its color.
Chalcedony deposits are found worldwide, virtually on every continent. But still, Brazil and the United States are considered to have the most diverse range of chalcedony varieties.
For instance, the chrysocolla chalcedony is found in Arizona, USA. Bloodstone and Sardonyx are found in Australia. Carnelian, Sard, and Aventurine are found in Brazil. The “Mojave” blue chalcedony is found in California, USA. The “Aqua” chalcedony is found in Iceland. And lastly, the “African blue” chalcedony is found in Namibia.
Some of the Astrological Benefits of Chalcedony Gemstone
We have discussed a lot about chalcedony up until this point. Now, let us learn the astrological benefits of chalcedony gemstone jewelry. Chalcedony represents harmony, serenity, and stability, which is why it is even nicknamed “the stone of harmony”. Since chalcedony is associated with the moon, its properties are tied down to feminine aspects, thus earning it another nickname “stone of fertility”. Here are some of the astrological benefits of chalcedony jewelry:
- Like other blue gemstones, the blue chalcedony jewelry soothes the mind and encourages its wearer to speak fearlessly.
- Pink chalcedony jewelry enables the wearer to be kind to others and be polite while promoting their emotional healing.
- According to Vedic astrology, chalcedony jewelry treats the problems related to the circulatory and digestive systems, thus relieving the vata dosha.
- Some psychics and mediums say that chalcedony has the power to boost its wearer’s immune system, while also strengthening the body as he or she recovers from illness.
- Various astrologers recommend wearing chalcedony jewelry for increasing stamina and re-energizing the body.
- Chalcedony is also believed to promote empathy, emotional balance, and connection.
- There have been claims by crystal users wearing chalcedony jewelry that it makes them more generous, positive, and receptive.
- Since chalcedony is the zodiac stone for Gemini, it is said to aid in hysteria, fear, mental illness, and depression.
Conclusion
Since chalcedony is one of the stones that is found worldwide, it is well-liked – partly because of its beauty and partly because of its attractive price point. Are you someone looking for wholesale gemstone jewelry to meet your retail jewelry needs? If yes, then browse the website of Rananjay Exports – India’s most renowned wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier. Not only do they deal in chalcedony jewelry such as chalcedony rings, chalcedony pendants, chalcedony earrings, chalcedony necklaces, and chalcedony bracelets, but they also deal in a huge array of gemstone jewelry such as custom jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, casting jewelry, and designer jewelry. So, shop chalcedony jewelry or any other gemstone jewelry from Rananjay Exports now!
