CHALCEDONY
CHALCEDONY
The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius (alternatively spelled calchedonius). The name is probably derived from the town Chalcedon in Asia Minor that is currently known as Kadikoy in Turkey.
Chalcedony is found in Namibia, Uruguay, Brazil, India and Madagascar.
Chalcedony is the form of quartz that is compact and microcrystalline. It occurs in many different forms, colors, patterns and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity.
Chalcedony has a waxy luster and can be white, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, gray, black, banded, multicolored. However, in the gemstone trade, the term Chalcedony is often used specifically to describe the white, gray or blue translucent type of chalcedony. The chalcedony sold commercially most often had been heated or dyed to enhance its color.
The more notable varieties of chalcedony are agate, carnelian, catseye, tiger's eye, jasper, chrysoprase, heliotrope (bloodstone) etc. Onyx are banded chalcedony.
Impurities are frequently present in chalcedony. They may form a moss like growth in the mineral, forming what is known as Moss Agate. Another example is Dendritic Agate of which its impurities form fabrications resembling trees.
As early as the Bronze Age, chalcedony was in use in the Mediterranean region. Seals made of Chalcedony have been recovered as early as 1800 BC. It was also used in Persian cylinder seals and in seals such as the carnelian intaglios, ring bezels and beads.
Fine jewelry made from chalcedony have been found in Afghanistan from the first century A.D. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read that the Aaron's breastplate contained at least three varieties of chalcedony stones. They were jasper, chrysoprase and sardonyx and some think that other agates were also part of the breastplate.
Chalcedony is a symbol of divine victory and passion. It has been termed the Mother Stone and was sacred to the goddess Diana.
It protects the wearer from tempests and terrors of the sea and it is believed that it could drive away evil spirits. It protects the wearer from civil unrests, and secures favors from high officials in government sectors.
Chalcedony treats chronic hoarseness, reduces sleepwalking and stimulates flow of fluid within the body. It relieves sadness and the feeling of loneliness.
As it is a stone associated with the throat chakra, it brings inner peace, removes aggression and encourages tranquility. It is said to stimulate spiritual communication and telepathy.
The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius (alternatively spelled calchedonius). The name is probably derived from the town Chalcedon in Asia Minor that is currently known as Kadikoy in Turkey.
Chalcedony is found in Namibia, Uruguay, Brazil, India and Madagascar.
Chalcedony is the form of quartz that is compact and microcrystalline. It occurs in many different forms, colors, patterns and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity.
Chalcedony has a waxy luster and can be white, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, gray, black, banded, multicolored. However, in the gemstone trade, the term Chalcedony is often used specifically to describe the white, gray or blue translucent type of chalcedony. The chalcedony sold commercially most often had been heated or dyed to enhance its color.
The more notable varieties of chalcedony are agate, carnelian, catseye, tiger's eye, jasper, chrysoprase, heliotrope (bloodstone) etc. Onyx are banded chalcedony.
Impurities are frequently present in chalcedony. They may form a moss like growth in the mineral, forming what is known as Moss Agate. Another example is Dendritic Agate of which its impurities form fabrications resembling trees.
As early as the Bronze Age, chalcedony was in use in the Mediterranean region. Seals made of Chalcedony have been recovered as early as 1800 BC. It was also used in Persian cylinder seals and in seals such as the carnelian intaglios, ring bezels and beads.
Fine jewelry made from chalcedony have been found in Afghanistan from the first century A.D. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read that the Aaron's breastplate contained at least three varieties of chalcedony stones. They were jasper, chrysoprase and sardonyx and some think that other agates were also part of the breastplate.
Chalcedony is a symbol of divine victory and passion. It has been termed the Mother Stone and was sacred to the goddess Diana.
It protects the wearer from tempests and terrors of the sea and it is believed that it could drive away evil spirits. It protects the wearer from civil unrests, and secures favors from high officials in government sectors.
Chalcedony treats chronic hoarseness, reduces sleepwalking and stimulates flow of fluid within the body. It relieves sadness and the feeling of loneliness.
As it is a stone associated with the throat chakra, it brings inner peace, removes aggression and encourages tranquility. It is said to stimulate spiritual communication and telepathy.