Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite. Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semi transparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The color of chalcedony sold commercially is often enhanced by dyeing or heating. Varieties of chalcedony include agate, fire agate, moss agate, carnelian, chrysoprase, heliotrope, chrome chalcedony, chalcedony ice-blue, and onyx just to name a few.
History & Lore
The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius (alternatively spelled calchedonius) and is probably derived from the town of Chalcedon in Turkey. The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius (alternatively spelled calchedonius) and is probably derived from the town of Chalcedon in TurkeyThe name appears in Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia as a term for a translucent kind of jaspis.Another reference to a gem by the name of khalkedon is found in the Book of Revelation (21:19); however, it is a hapax legomenon found nowhere else in the Bible, so it is hard to tell whether the precious gem mentioned in Revelation is the same as the mineral known by this name today.[The term plasma is sometimes used to refer to green translucent chalcedony.
Meaning & Symbolism
Chalcedony has the power to align the mind, body, and spirit. This stone also sends feelings of generosity and kindness to you. Chalcedony removes self-doubt and builds self-confidence, and is a great aid for your Throat Chakra work.
Origin & Location
Chalcedony can be found in weathering volcanic rocks, but also in sedimentary ones, often together with agate. In igneous or metamorphic rocks chalcedony is very rare and only forms veins in cracks that have been percolated by warm rising silica-rich brines. Found commonly in California, Iceland, India, Mexico, Namibia, Nevada, Oregon, and Russia.
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