Chalcedony is a remarkable mineral, a cryptocrystalline form of silicon dioxide (quartz), prized for its beauty, variety of colors, and translucent texture with a characteristic waxy luster. It is formed from microscopic quartz crystals that are tightly packed together, often forming dense aggregates, nodules, veins, or filling cavities in rocks.
Chalcedony is the basis for many popular jewelry and ornamental stones, such as agate (striped variety), carnelian (red/orange), chrysoprase (green), onyx (black and white or contrasting stripes), and others.
The color palette of chalcedony is extremely wide: from milky white, gray, and blue to pink, yellow, orange, deep red, and brown. It is sometimes nearly transparent, but more often translucent or translucent. Its Mohs hardness is 6.5-7, making it strong enough for use in jewelry and carvings.
The name "chalcedony" is believed to come from the ancient Greek port city of Chalcedon in Asia Minor, which was a prominent center for the stone's trade in antiquity. It has been prized by ancient civilizations, used for seals, amulets, jewelry, and household items.
Today, chalcedony remains a popular choice for jewelers, designers, and collectors due to its natural aesthetics, variety of colors and patterns, excellent polish, and relative affordability. It is ideal for making cabochons, necklaces, pendants, and decorative carvings.
Jewelry with this mineral
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