Chalcedony is a mineral with an unusual appearance and structure, which is a type of quartz. Since ancient times, stone has been used to create jewelry, decorative figurines, crafts and patterns that decorate buildings. It has a number of medicinal and magical properties, thanks to which the stone has become popular for curing a number of diseases and attracting love.
Chalcedony is a transparent mineral with a fine-fibrous and cryptocrystalline structure. It can be painted in almost any color, but the most common varieties range from snow-white to honey-colored. The stone is translucent over the entire surface or only at the edges, which gives it a special appearance. In nature, it forms massive accumulations, spherulite crusts or pseudostalactites.
The stone is born as if in the depths of the bowels, filling the voids in rocks, andesites, balsates, volcanic tuffs, and outside, when the rocks exposed to the surface are exposed to the external environment. Alluvial placers are also an inexhaustible source of chalcedony - in the process of transferring minerals by water, they can change color, but at the same time they are polished, becoming perfectly smooth.
The stones mined in Madagascar and Uruguay, India and Brazil are especially famous throughout the world. But production is also carried out in other countries, including:
- Taiwan;
- Russian Federation;
- Scotland;
- Zambia;
- Australia;
- Kazakhstan and others.
Varieties
The list of varieties of chalcedony includes more than a hundred items. The most famous of them are:
- onyx - you can recognize it by its pattern in the form of smoothly curved or parallel stripes;
- chrysoprase - refers to semiprecious stones;
- agate - its pattern consists of concentric or horizontal stripes;
- plasma is a rare variety that has a rich dark green color;
- mykirite is a gray mineral decorated with red inclusions;
- sapphirine - has a blue color;
- heliotrope - mineral dark green with yellow and red splashes;
- carnelian - often used to create jewelry, can be colored brown, orange, or red.
History of the mineral
According to one version, chalcedony received its name from the area of Chalcedon, located in Asia Minor on the shores of the Sea of Marmara.
It has a lot of other names - Californian or blue lunar, Mecca and St. stone. Stefan. The first mentions of the mineral are found in the New Testament - it states that one of the foundations of Jerusalem was made from chalcedony. It gained particular popularity in ancient times, and chalcedony products can still be found among museum exhibits. The fashion for the mineral did not go away even later:
- in the Middle Ages, every society lady had jewelry made from it, and there were decorative items in their houses;
- in the 18th and 19th centuries it was worn by historical figures, including A.S. Pushkin;
- in the 20th century, chalcedony was also preferred by many talented and famous personalities - M. Tsvetaeva, M. Bulgakov, N. Gumilev, A. Bely and others.
Chalcedony is still in demand today - jewelry, decorative items, and souvenirs are made from it. In addition to its bewitching appearance, the stone is famous for its special magical and healing properties, so its popularity does not wane.
Medicinal properties
Chalcedony has mass medicinal properties, thanks to which it has been worn since ancient times. He is believed to be able to:
- relieve depression and insomnia - all you need to do is put the mineral under your pillow;
- relieve a migraine attack - an untreated stone is placed on the bridge of the nose for some time;
- normalize blood pressure and eliminate problems with the cardiovascular system - for this it is recommended to wear blue stones;
- cleanse the blood - for this, a pair of stones are placed on opposite sides of the body;
- eliminate vision problems - therapy consists of regularly applying minerals to closed eyes;
- to heal a wound - the stone is placed in a vessel with water and placed so that moonlight falls on it, in the morning the liquid is used to wipe the skin around the injury.
For nervous disorders or panic attacks Ah, you should hold the mineral in your hands and the condition will return to normal. Also, wearing the stone helps to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland, eliminates hormonal imbalances and stabilizes overall well-being.
Magic properties
Chalcedony has long been considered a stone that protects family happiness and love; it is recommended to wear it to get rid of attacks of jealousy and achieve family harmony. This stone also promotes the development of telepathic abilities - for this it is worn on the head, and those who tell fortunes use it during sessions. It helps to avoid harm from curses and damage, not only protecting its owner, but also sending negativity to the one who sent it.
The stone can be placed in a children's room - then it will protect younger family members from bad dreams, or in the office - it will help make the environment more friendly and defuse conflicts. Chalcedony promotes:
- development of memory and oratory;
- improving brain activity;
- normalization of mood;
- mastering foreign languages and developing non-standard thinking.
Chalcedony is a stone of joy and good luck; it is considered the patron saint of sailors and travelers; it helps them avoid danger during their journey. This mineral is suitable for creative individuals - wearing it helps to reveal talent, awakens the muse and the very desire to create.
Meaning of Zodiac Signs
For Aquarius chrysoprase is suitable - this green-golden variety of the mineral brings them good luck in their endeavors and gives them peace.
Stone the best way suitable for representatives of the Air element - Libra, Gemini, Aquarius. It gives them health, protects them from damage and the evil eye, and normalizes their state of mind.
How to spot a fake
Despite the fact that chalcedony is a fairly inexpensive stone, there are also counterfeits on the market. Natural stone has the following characteristics:
- its color is uneven (which is especially noticeable on patterned varieties);
- the shape cannot be ideal - for example, it is almost impossible to obtain perfectly even beads from a real mineral;
- chalcedony is cold - when warmed in the palm of your hand, it takes a long time to gain temperature;
- it's quite heavy.
In order not to buy a fake instead of a natural stone, you should pay attention to the signs listed above and, even if there are no doubts about the authenticity, you need to look at the certificate for the product.
Care and storage
Chalcedony is strong and unpretentious, but it is advisable to store it separately from other minerals. You can preserve the beauty of a stone if:
- protect its surface from impacts and friction;
- Do not wear jewelry while performing work involving the use of aggressive liquids.
Clean the stone with a soap solution in which cotton wool is soaked, after which it is thoroughly washed under running cool water. After washing it should be wiped dry soft cloth so that not a trace remains of moisture. Regular care and careful wearing of chalcedony will help preserve the beauty of the stone for a long time.
Chalcedony appeared many centuries ago. Microcrystalline grains have attracted the attention of jewelry makers. They began to make numerous luxury items from it. The stones retained their appearance and were not exposed to natural phenomena. Neither wars nor disasters destroyed the beauty of stone products.
Deposits of the mineral are scattered throughout the planet, but the gem received its name from the center of the jewelry trade of antiquity - the city of Chalcedon. The origin depends on natural phenomena:
- volcanic tuffs;
- drips;
- dehydration;
- leaching;
- stalactite and stalagmite forms.
The cracks are covered with chalcedony veins and fill the voids. Rock samples are open to winds, rains, and the consequences of negative phenomena of time. There are so many of these changes that the stone turned out to be varied and colorful.
Color types of mineral
Varieties of chalcedony are distributed according to external sign- by color. Each shade brings its own characteristics to the mineral. The gem is compared to a chameleon; it can deceive even a professional. Main groups of mineral formations:
- . The chalcedony type has the greatest number of mystical abilities. The bright surface combines different colors: yellow, orange, brown and red. The inclusions are visible and magically attract.
- Chrysoprase. Brings together all shades of green and gold. The crystals are transparent and inimitably fascinating. I would like to understand what is hidden inside the green gold. This effect occurs due to inclusions of nickel, quartz, moganite and tridymite.
- Matorolite. Sometimes the first vowel is missed, then the name sounds like mtorolite. A special appearance is created due to the concentration of chromium. The green color of apples and fresh grass is combined in the crystal structure. The variety is very rare; black inclusions are even rarer in mtorolite. The most known deposit located in Zimbabwe. Jewelry has been known since ancient times during Roman rule.
- Plasma. The mineral is a variety of chalcedony of green shades. Coloring does not occur due to chromium. Greens are produced by amphibole, chlorite, and scaly celadonite.
- . The pattern on the gem is striped, which is why it is also popularly called striped. The phenomenon is explained by fused spherulite particles. The layers are different in all characteristics, but form a single whole. They may differ in structure, density, transparency and shade.
- Cacholong. The mineral is white or milky. The name is not exactly defined, it is constantly changing.
- Heliotrope. Dark green natural chalcedony contains brightly visible inclusions - spots of red color. The difference between the species is its ability to change in water while in the sun. It turns pure red.
- Moss fly. This type of gemstone changes its colors. It is gray, white, blue. The inclusions create the appearance of the presence of plants and greenery inside, but this is not so, an optical illusion of layered compounds.
- Sapphirine. Has a blue glow. Valuable among jewelers due to the rarity and transparency of the breed. The blue tone was obtained through a complex process of light dispersion. The name sapphirine leads to errors. Silicate has the same name. Confusion can make magic sessions with samples of ritual stones useless.
- chalcedony. The texture is layered: quartz alternates with chalcedony and other minerals.
Chalcedony is a mineral of unusual color and structure; its translucent structure is a special type of quartz. Cryptocrystalline and finely fibrous, it seems to create a unique pattern on the very surface of the mineral.
The stone is translucent or slightly translucent at the edges, the color of chalcedony varies from pure white to honey. In nature, stone forms spherulites in the form of massive clusters. Chalcedony has many different shades, reddish, slightly brown, ocher, emerald, blue, and may include inclusions of various shades.
Traditionally, this stone has been used since ancient times in jewelry, to create beautiful and vibrant jewelry. People have worn necklaces, bracelets and rings with chalcedony since ancient times. The mineral is also used to make crafts in the form of souvenirs or boxes. Relief images on buildings were carved from chalcedony with numerous inclusions in the form of strips.
The mineral got its name from the city of Chalcedon, which existed in ancient Greece. The stone is of volcanic origin; most often, chalcedony deposits are found in volcanic basalts. The first deposits of chalcedony were discovered in ancient Greece. In those ancient times Jewelry Art was at its best, many ancient Greek jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones have survived from those times. An accidental discovery of a mineral deposit in the Sea of Marmara area allowed the ancient Greeks to create real works of art from chalcedony. Most often, temples were decorated with stone, luxury items and jewelry were made in the form of massive cameos or necklaces. Later Greece began to actively trade this unique stone, thanks to which products made from this mineral began to spread throughout the world.
Type of chalcedony
This unique mineral is represented by a variety of species, differing in color, origin and structure. The following types of chalcedony exist:
- . It is silica with a fine crystalline structure, which consists of quartz and chalcedony, and also includes inclusions of maganite and tridymite. The green color of the stone is due to its high nickel content. A common type of mineral that is often found in natural deposits.
- Mtorolite. A very rare type of chalcedony, similar to chrysoprase in its greenish tint. The color of the stone can be dark green, deep emerald or pale green. Unlike chrysoprase, there are no nickel compounds in mtorolite; chromium oxide gives the stone its color.
- Sapphirine is a mineral of a delicate blue hue; translucent specimens are highly valued in the jewelry industry. Coloring is provided by the effect of color refraction in the mineral.
- one of the most famous types of chalcedony, also called carnelian. It has a reddish tint, sometimes interspersed in the form of stripes. There are brown, reddish, yellow and ocher shades. The color is determined by the level of iron oxide in the stone.
- . This is a rare white or milky chalcedony, sometimes called milky opal. The composition is most often porous and undefined.
- . Chalcedony has a bluish, blue or violet hue, consisting of stripes of dense texture. The intensity of color and inclusions in the mineral depends on the degree of quartz ingrowth.
- Moss fly. It got its name because of its color structure, similar to natural moss. Flywheels contain many elements, from iron oxide and manganese to nickel. In nature it is found in a wide variety of color variations. From a cool steely color to milky or white.
- Chalcedony onyx. A mineral consisting of dense layers of chalcedony and quartz. It has inclusions in the form of stripes and is most often reddish.
- . The fine-grained structure of quartz gives jasper a unique swirl-like pattern. The color range of jasper ranges from pale yellow to deep honey.
- Endrigus. Translucent minerals light shades from chalcedony, quartz and lutecin. They are used in jewelry due to their interesting structure.
Mineral deposits
Chalcedony is most often found in volcanic rocks and hot spring areas. Rich deposits of this mineral exist in Iceland, South America, Peru, and in a number of islands, such as the Feroi Islands. In Russia there are also deposits of chalcedony extracted from rocks. The Urals, Siberia, and Karelia traditionally lead in the production of chalcedony. The stone is also mined on the banks of the Don and Volga. The brightest specimens are found in volcanic rocks; they have a complex structure and bright colors.
Chalcedony stone and its magical properties
Since ancient times, minerals, precious and semi-precious stones have been attributed mystical properties. It was believed that each stone has special power and energy. The ancient Greeks believed that this mineral was a kind of amulet for seafarers. IN love magic Chalcedony is used to attract a man to a woman. In Mongolia, chalcedony is a remedy for eliminating despondency and mental anguish; many Mongols wear chalcedony jewelry or small stones with them also against the evil eye. The brighter the stone, the better. This means that it has the strongest positive energy. It is believed that it is better to use raw mineral as a talisman. The stone cleanses the chakras, improves energy state, and helps in case of mental disorders.
The healing properties of the mineral
Stones can heal. If you experience neurosis, increased excitability, or panic attacks, you should carry untreated chalcedony or jewelry made from it with you. The stone relieves depression and painful insomnia. Bluish chalcedony helps with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and with problems with blood pressure. Also, wearing a stone is effective for diseases of the thyroid gland and hormonal imbalances in organism. Many people note healing properties chalcedony, even wearing a bracelet made of this stone significantly stabilizes blood pressure.
Jewelry with chalcedony
Jewelry craftsmen offer a huge assortment of the most exquisite chalcedony jewelry. The unusual structure of the stone or the translucency that plays in daylight will make the owner of such an accessory stand out from the crowd. You can buy an amulet or amulet, or a stylish necklace. Chalcedony is a stone that will delight its owner with its beauty long years. Beads, necklaces, bracelets, earrings are made from this mineral, women's rings and men's rings are encrusted.
Zodiac sign for the mineral chalcedony
Each zodiac sign has its own talisman stone. Wearing this stone is suitable for representatives of the air element. Zodiac signs such as Libra, Aquarius and Gemini can consider chalcedony as their birthstone. It is these representatives of the horoscope that chalcedony will help in business, improve their health, and protect them from negative emotions and the evil eye. It is best to wear a small stone on your neck or in your clothes, then its effect will be more favorable.
Chalcedony is a stone that has been known to mankind for many centuries. It was used to create jewelry, household items, and dishes. Due to its properties, chalcedony is still used not only in jewelry, but also in construction and the chemical industry.
This mineral borrowed its name from the ancient city on the shores of the Bosphorus - Chalcedon. Now such a city no longer exists, because it was destroyed many years ago, but its name will live on in the word “chalcedony”.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that this mineral helps sailors and scientists the most. But it can also benefit representatives of other professions - the main thing is to know how to properly use the power of chalcedony.
History of the stone
Chalcedony has been mined and used by mankind since biblical times. The very first written mentions of chalcedony can be found in the New Testament. In this holy book, in the revelation of John the Theologian, chalcedony is mentioned as a stone from which one of the foundations of the wall of the Heavenly City of Jerusalem was made.
The popularity of this stone flourished in the ancient era. During this period, in Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, dishes, festive cups and ritual attributes were made from chalcedony, weapons, clothing and harness were inlaid with it, figurines and beautiful cameos were carved from it. Special chic were considered seals and special rings with seals carved from this delightful stone. Many products from that period can be seen today among museum exhibits.
Evidence of the use of chalcedony in the ancient world for medicinal purposes can be seen:
- in ancient Chinese and ancient Indian treatises;
- medieval lapidariums;
- in the works of eastern and European physicians, in particular the medieval eastern physician Avicenna and the German scientists Albertus Magnus and Henry Cornelius (Agrippa of Nettesheim);
- The special properties of chalcedony are described both in Assyrian cuneiform and in Old Russian manuscripts.
Fashion for chalcedony as on jewelry stone resumed with renewed vigor during the late Middle Ages, when medieval scientists began to explore ancient civilizations and interest in ancient culture awoke with renewed vigor. Once again, chalcedony became a popular jewelry and ornamental stone. Every society lady had in her arsenal of jewelry earrings or necklaces made of chalcedony, brooches or buckles, rings or necklaces. Decorative items made from this stone were also in demand: vases, boxes, ashtrays.
Such famous historical figures as the commander Bonaparte Napoleon, the poets J. Byron and A.S. also came under the fashionable influence of chalcedony. Pushkin, who wore jewelry with this stone.
Chalcedony was not forgotten in the 20th century. Representatives of the Russian intelligentsia especially loved this stone:
- Andrey Bely,
- Osip Mandelstam,
- Alexey Tolstoy,
- Mikhail Bulgakov,
- Alexander Green,
- Nikolay Gumilyov,
- Marina Tsvetaeva, who received it as a gift from Maximilian Voloshin.
Chalcedony has not lost its relevance today, remaining a popular ornamental and jewelry stone.
Myths and legends
In ancient times, these stones were the patrons of sailors: chalcedony protected them from the elements and brought them luck. The Greek work "Lapidaria", written in the 3rd century, speaks of seven mandatory amulets necessary for a successful exit to the open sea. Perhaps each of them symbolizes a day of the week. So, chalcedony was first on this list, its main function is to protect the ship from wreck. There are also amazing stories about the properties of emerald chrysoprase. Our ancestors said: “If someone sentenced to beheading puts a pebble in his mouth, he will become invisible to the executioner and will be able to avoid a terrible death on the scaffold.”
Chalcedony is especially revered in Myanmar. Local tribes believe that spirits live in it. Whether they are good or bad is determined by the situation in the family. If members of the household get sick and die, then the nugget is thrown away. At the same time, the natives claim that the demon disappears, and magic mineral after a while, as if nothing had happened, it reappears in its place. And not just one, but in the company of several such stones. Believe modern people It’s difficult, but who knows what’s going on in mysterious Burma.
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Description of the mineral
Chalcedony is a semi-precious, ornamental stone, one of the types of quartz, which has a fine-fiber structure with incredibly small hidden crystals. From a chemical point of view, this is silica, because at least 90% of the composition of this mineral is silicon oxide and its salts - silicates. The rest includes compounds such as oxides of iron, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, manganese and nickel salts.
These beautiful minerals are mined all over the world, in basalts and other rocks of volcanic origin; they fill all the voids in the rock. The main suppliers are Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar and Scotland. There are mineral mines in Russia, the USA, Canada, Peru, Iceland and Kazakhstan. The oldest deposits are located in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Chalcedony is called the mother of crystal, because deposits of the first often cover deposits of the second.
The history of chalcedony is centuries-old; it is mentioned in the New Testament.
- The first flowering of their popularity is associated with Ancient Greece and its city of Chalcedon near the Bosphorus Strait (now the area of Istanbul, Turkey). It was used to make dishes, interior items and decorations, signets, inlays on weapons, clothing and harness, and used for magical purposes.
- The second heyday of the popularity of these minerals occurred in the 17th century, when jewelry and interior items were made from it, it was worn by many people known to this day, it became a symbol of Russian poetry of the Silver Age. Since then, people's interest and love for these gems has not waned.
Now chalcedony is used to make jewelry and costume jewelry, souvenirs and interior items, facing tiles and mosaics. Its chemical stability has ensured its use in laboratories for the manufacture of flasks; richest color palette allows you to create beautiful panels, and coupled with translucency - stained glass windows. Lampshades and floor lamps made of this colored translucent stone, as well as tabletops, look very impressive.
The layering of the mineral gives picture frames, figurines and other crafts made from it an indescribable sense of volume.
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Species diversity
There are more than 100 types of stones that belong to chalcedony and its compounds, some of them are available and very popular, others are rare and very valuable, others look beautiful only in crafts and are not used for jewelry and costume jewelry. They differ in the degree of transparency, texture, color, pattern, number and nature of third-party inclusions, but have a similar chemical composition, origin, physical properties, cryptocrystalline fibrous structure.
Let's get acquainted with the most famous representatives of chalcedony and their properties:
- Agate- a layered mineral of a wide variety of colors, while in one copy all shades of the same color are collected, from the lightest and whitest to the most saturated. Blue, light blue, red, orange, violet, yellow, green, gray and other agate colors are popular.
The layers differ in transparency, which provides the mineral with extraordinary beauty, originality and recognition. There are many varieties of agates:
- Onyx– ribbon agate, low transparency – thin plates are barely visible. The most popular color is pale light green with reddish, brick and brown stripes, the most valuable is black onyx, and the darker the color and fewer inclusions, the more expensive.
- Dendroagate, or moss agate- an amazing mineral, usually milky or colorless, with dendrite inclusions of different shades from brown to green. They strongly resemble either algae or twigs, or moss, frozen in translucent stone. Among these stones there are strikingly beautiful specimens that look like landscapes - it’s hard to believe that nature created this until you see the raw mineral.
- Wood agate- a close relative of the previous species, but the proportion of dendritic inclusions is much higher, contains iron and magnesium. There are also examples with very original designs.
- Stafanik, or dotted agate - a white or gray mineral with red dots - inclusions of iron oxide. An original ornamental stone, almost completely opaque.
- Cornelian– the next most popular variety of chalcedony after agates. This stone is usually colored evenly, in red-brown tones, from light flesh to brick and red-brown; however, there are also slightly striped specimens. This translucent mineral with a soft silky shine resembles solid pieces of amber. It is believed that the Prophet Mohammed had a ring with this stone.
- Sarder and carnelian– differ from carnelian only in shade. Sardonyx is a carnelian with parallel stripes, often in bright orange-red tones.
- Chrysoprase– one of the most valuable chalcedony, colored evenly apple green due to the admixture of nickel.
- Sapphirine- another beautiful chalcedony of sky blue shades with a layered structure, but without the transparent layers characteristic of agates.
- Heliotrope (bloodstone)– a dark green mineral with blood-red or “rusty” spots – a very rare color for gems. It got its name for its ability to change color to red when immersed in water under bright sunlight.
- Cacholong- one of the most beautiful and valuable chalcedony, it is a mixture of chalcedony crystals with simple, base opal. It has a milky white color and a soft, unique pearl shine.
The modern generation of Internet users will become familiar with the name of the mineral in the game ArcheAge. Placers of chalcedony fragments in yellow, blue, pink, milky colors are used for manufacturing various decorations in the clothes of game characters: buckles, belts, necklaces.
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Classification of chalcedony by color
- Reddish-yellow carnelian and carnelian.
- Chrysoprase.
- Red-brown sarder.
- Bluish-gray sapphirine.
- Cloudy onion green plasma.
- Waxy chalcedony.
- Light yellow ceragate.
- Mirikit and heliotrope are red spots on gray stone.
- Pointed agate (stephanik) – light gray or White stone with red dots.
Texture classification
- Concentric stripes - agate.
- Parallel banded texture with smoothly curved or straight stripes - ribbon agate or onyx.
- The combination of horizontal and concentric banding is Uruguayan agate.
- Other agates according to the banding pattern are cloudy, star-shaped, landscape, ruin, fortress (bastion), etc.
Classification by the nature of inclusions
- Translucent chalcedony with green inclusions of actinolite or chlorite - moss agate or moss agate.
- Inclusion of dendrites of iron or manganese oxides – dendragate or moccastein.
- Chalcedony nodules with water cavities are enhydros.
In total, experts identify more than a hundred varieties of chalcedony with different names.
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Physical properties
Optical
Color Coloring chalcedony is always quite pale; stones are usually found in gray, grayish-blue, milky-blue, pale blue, grayish-green, greenish-blue, yellowish or pale yellowish-brown shades, as well as grayish-white to light milky-white and almost colorless.
Chalcedony of intense or dark bluish-green or yellow flowers, as well as pinkish or reddish color. There is often a bluish tint in reflected light and a pale reddish-brown tint in thick sections in transmitted light, which is caused by an optical phenomenon called Tyndall light scattering. This phenomenon is also observed in flints, blue quartz and opal. The blue color of some chalcedony may disappear when heated.
The color of chalcedony is mostly uniform or only slightly changes from layer to layer. As the banding becomes more distinct, especially with the appearance of layers of brown and reddish-brown color, usually interspersed with layers of less transparent milky white or white chalcedony, chalcedony gradually passes into the variety called agate, although the boundary between these two distinguishable varieties is uncertain .
Other varieties of the mineral also arise due to coloring by various impurities. Brown and reddish stones colored by dispersed iron oxides include varieties called sarder and carnelian, and partially banded agates. The green variety - chrysoprase - is colored with an admixture of nickel.
- The line is missing.
- Glitter glass
- The cast polishes well and acquires a slight waxy or matte finish.
Chalcedony is typically translucent to clear or cloudy; Moreover, individual layers of chalcedony in one sample often differ in the degree of transparency.
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Mechanical
- Hardness. The hardness of chalcedony varies somewhat; it is less than that of coarse-crystalline quartz, and is usually 6.5.
- Density of chalcedony 2.57-2.64, and its fluctuations depend on the amount and composition of impurities, porosity and water content.
- Cleavage absent.
- Kink. The fracture is uneven or conchoidal. The mineral easily splits in the direction transverse to the banding and parallel to the elongation of the fibers; in this case, an uneven or splintered fracture with a fairly well-defined waxy sheen is formed. You can also get a fracture parallel to the layering.
Porosity of stone. Chalcedony is characterized by greater or lesser porosity, with isolated pores, or, more often, thin tubes and thread-like voids, located parallel to the fiber. The amount of porosity varies in different layers or zones and is minimal in white or milky white layers. Some stones stick to the tongue or quickly absorb water, sometimes with a faint hissing sound or the formation of bubbles on the moistened surface. The presence of porosity in chalcedony and its varieties, including agate, allows these stones to be artificially colored.
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Chemical properties
Diagnostic signs
Chalcedony is recognized by its dense structure, high hardness, waxy or matte luster, and lack of cleavage. It differs from quartz in its shine, and from opal in its greater hardness.
Satellites. Quartz, opal, limonite, carbonates.
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Morphology
Chalcedony forms:
- dense masses,
- sintered forms,
- nodules,
- crusts,
- fulfill voids.
Chalcedony occurs in the form of crusts with an irregularly rounded, kidney-shaped or warty surface. It also forms sinter masses in cavities, stalactites, gradually turning into cluster-shaped and irregular sheet-like accumulations. Chalcedony is also observed in the form of individual kidney-shaped irregular or rounded nodules, formed either by concretion or as a result of weathering of rocks in which there were cavities filled with chalcedony. Sometimes it composes slag-like marsas, as well as small veins or cement in rocks.
Typically, chalcedony composes geodes and fills amygdaloid voids in altered basic igneous rocks; These chalcedony inclusions are often hollow and may contain liquid that has been plugged during crystallization.
Chalcedony often forms encrusting pseudomorphs on other minerals, especially calcite and fluorite, and also replaces these and other minerals and fossil shells.
The term has a broader meaning than chalcedony "chalcedonic silica", which mainly refers to crustification formations and products of filling voids, represented by any fine-grained variety of quartz with a fibrous microstructure.
This term is applied to continuous and nodular formations of primary sedimentary or diagenetic origin, including cherts and cherts, as well as accumulations resulting from the replacement of limestone and other rocks.
In chalcedony, more or less clearly visible banding is visible, parallel to the outer surface of the formations or the walls of the cavity. This banding is not always visible to the naked eye, but can be detected under a microscope in thin sections oriented perpendicular to the outer surface of chalcedony clusters, or it can be revealed by staining and etching.
Place of Birth
Often mineral deposits are found in volcanic formations, where they are endowed with a complex structure, bright colors; also in areas of hot thermal springs. Chalcedony fills fistulas in rocks at depth and on the surface.
Here the breed is exposed to such intense environmental influences:
- leaching;
- dehydration;
- internal change.
A mineral is formed in the veins of cracks in basalts, andesites, tuffs, and in the voids of limestone. Alluvial deposits stretched along river valleys are considered constant “suppliers” natural stones. When transferred by water currents, they not only polish well and become smooth, but also change their color.
The whole world knows the rocks mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and India.
In terms of quality and appearance, chalcedony mined in:
- Russia (Ural, Siberia);
- Kazakhstan;
- Poland;
- Australia;
- Zambia;
- Namibia;
- Taiwan;
- Hebrides Islands.
Not a single branch of human activity can do without a crystal; it is most widely used in:
- instrument making;
- chemical industry;
- pharmaceutical industry.
The gifts of nature should always be treated with care, because resources quickly dry up. It’s not for nothing that a nature reserve was created on the territory of the Crimean Karadag mountain range, because there is an amazing variety of quartz here.
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Medicinal properties
Even ancient people learned the healing power of chalcedony. In the notes of Chinese healers, in the writings of Avicenna and Paracelsus, it is described how chalcedony jewelry has a beneficial effect on the owner’s skin, and powder from the stone was prescribed for dysentery and fever.
He is mentioned in ancient works:
- Claudia Galena;
- Pliny the Elder;
- Paracelsus;
- Avicenna;
- Chinese, Indian treatises;
- Assyrian, Old Russian manuscripts.
Of course, stones cannot be classified as drugs. But their use has a beneficial effect on cells, the nervous system, and has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state.
Constantly wearing the mineral reduces aggression and rage, as if allowing the mind to establish control over the psyche.
The risks of the following mental disorders are also reduced:
- panic attacks;
- deep depression;
- nervous exhaustion.
At folk methods Chalcedony is used in healing for:
- eye diseases;
- treatments of the circulatory system;
- bone diseases;
- hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems.
To normalize blood pressure and of cardio-vascular system water and alcohol solutions infused with chalcedony are used.
Colds are expelled with water in which the crystal was previously placed overnight. Drinking liquid gets rid of the virus, stabilizes, promotes metabolism, and has a positive effect on the endocrine glands.
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Magic properties
Ancient magicians believed that this stone has feminine and its main magical properties are attracting mutual love and family happiness into the life of its owner.
Also in ancient times, people believed that the stone was capable of:
- give a person eloquence if you put it under the tongue;
- ensure the material well-being of its owner if you wear jewelry with it on the middle finger;
- protect your home from natural disasters if you store chalcedony products in it;
- increase the lactation of a nursing mother if the woman wears it on her chest.
And today, jewelry with chalcedony are the best amulets for women who dream of attracting a worthy companion into their lives. It is believed that chalcedony:
- contributes to the attractiveness of its owner;
- helps arrange family life
- harmonizes the intimate sphere of life;
- enhances male power;
- protects happiness in the family;
- promotes prolongation of the family.
Called chalcedony (especially blue color) and the “stone of joy” for its ability:
- improve mood;
- banish sad thoughts;
- provide its owner with vital energy;
- give a person self-confidence.
Chalcedony in Feng Shui
Effect on chakras
Chalcedony affects the chakras, depending on its color.
Energy
Receptive Yin (absorbs energy)
Chalcedony absorbs and disperses negative energy, therefore he is a good defender against the energies of the outside world.
Element
Earth, Water, Ether (space).
Planets:
Saturn, Neptune.
Chalcedony and the signs of the zodiac
Chalcedony received its name from its location - Chalcedon - the coast of the Sea of Marmara, in Asia Minor. Chalcedony attracts love. Chalcedony also symbolizes the poetry of the Silver Age. Chalcedony has long been considered a talisman for sailors. Chalcedony improves mood, driving away melancholy, and attracts cheerful risks. In India, chalcedony means pure consciousness. Chalcedony is much more often worn by the fair sex. And, according to some ancient opinions, chalcedony is a purely female amulet.
Chalcedony stone for Aries
Chalcedony will not allow Aries to fall into despair and, of course, will not leave it to suffer and become despondent. Reddish chalcedony is suitable for Aries. Such mineral talismans dispel fatigue and awaken the desire to achieve something again and again. With an increased aggressive mood, chalcedony is guaranteed to calm and force Aries to forgive all offenses.
Chalcedony Stone for Taurus
Chalcedony will help Taurus develop their professional quality. In carrying out the assigned work, Taurus, thanks to the energy of chalcedony, has no equal. With chalcedony, Taurus has every chance to improve his career. Cash, of course, will also arrive in the desired amount.
Chalcedony stone for Gemini
Geminis should be advised to wear chalcedony more dark shade. Such a talisman will add communication and seriousness to Gemini. Chalcedony helps you concentrate completely on one thing, which will give excellent results without wasting your attention. Chalcedony, for example, on the left hand, trains balance and protects against nervousness.
Chalcedony stone for Cancer
Cancers with chalcedony are closer to their family, value and protect their happiness more diligently and reverently. With chalcedony, peace in the Cancer family will not be disturbed by any worries. A single woman born in the sign of Cancer, with the powers of chalcedony, will quickly find love. Her companion will cover her head with a romantic fairy tale. With him, she will gain confidence and say “No” to stress.
Chalcedony stone for Leo
Leo with chalcedony will achieve power, complete control over the entire situation. Chalcedony will give Leo, the owner of the talisman, recognition from the “public.” At special properties Chalcedony Leo's talents develop much more rapidly than without that stone. Chalcedony of warm, sunny shades gives Leo self-confidence, courage and some kind of support, like reliability and incentive.
Chalcedony stone for Virgo
For those who were lucky enough to be born according to the Virgo horoscope, chalcedony “expands” the inner world. Virgo with chalcedony perceives emotions, feelings and impressions more deeply. Every detail feels somehow special, as if Virgo is meeting it for the first time. In communication, chalcedony holds the position of bringing Virgo closer to kind and sympathetic people.
Chalcedony Stone for Libra
Chalcedony will help Libra recognize deceivers, even among people they have known for a long time. As a result, Libra will stop making an impressive part of their mistakes, because Libra is overly trusting and almost constantly succumbs to the “current”. Chalcedony will also help you “look out” for your betrothed among the crowd.
Chalcedony stone for Scorpio
It is better for Scorpio to choose chalcedony of rich colors. Chalcedony will “cool down” Scorpio’s hot temper and prevent him from saying too much in a “fit of fever.” Chalcedony will “switch” all of Scorpio’s passion to work or some other business that requires considerable effort. Chalcedony will also “destroy” possible family misunderstandings.
Chalcedony stone for Sagittarius
Chalcedony is suitable for Sagittarius in any color and form. This stone “feeds” Sagittarius energy, gives a feeling of omnipotence and complete confidence. Chalcedony for Sagittarius is a “magnet” of stability and a good future. In the form of any decoration, chalcedony protects Sagittarius from hasty conclusions and helps to accept any change with dignity.
Chalcedony stone for Capricorn
Capricorns are not averse to showing off and boasting about their new acquisition. Not only can Capricorn safely show off his chalcedony jewelry to everyone, but this stone will attract unimaginable wealth to its sometimes demanding owner. Chalcedony protects Capricorn from bankruptcy and unsuccessful financial investments.
Chalcedony stone for Aquarius
For Aquarius, chalcedony “colors” any “gaps” in life. Everything is somehow fine with Aquarius after purchasing chalcedony. With a talisman made from this mineral, Aquarius easily starts a conversation and starts something from scratch. In addition, chalcedony will attract love to Aquarius. Or it will “awaken” old feelings.
Chalcedony stone for Pisces
Those born under the zodiac sign Pisces, with the help of chalcedony, are relieved of boredom and sadness. Chalcedony brings good news and pleasant meetings to Pisces. Chalcedony is also responsible for the healthy and clean blood of Pisces and blood circulation in general.
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What names does chalcedony suit?
Calcedony, as it is also called, is best suited for women whose names are Inga, Valeria, Ksenia, Irina, Lyubov, Raisa and Karina. By purchasing this stone, they will forever throw out negativity from their lives.
For men named Alexander, Bogdan and Georgy, the stone will give stability in financial matters and improve relationships with family.
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Who is suitable for jewelry with chalcedony?
Using a gem
Varieties of chalcedony are widely used for the manufacture of:
- jewelry (cufflinks, necklaces, inserts in earrings, bracelets, rings, etc.);
- souvenir products (figurines, amulets, keychains);
- ritual objects;
- decorative items (vases, dishes, floor lamps, lampshades);
- facing tiles;
- mosaics;
- stained glass;
- interior details (countertops, sinks, picture frames and mirrors);
- laboratory glassware (pharmaceutical mortars);
- supports for precision instruments.
Chalcedony in jewelry
High-quality stones have long been loved by jewelers. Absolutely all varieties of chalcedony are opaque. Those that have a uniform color, similar to a thick liquid, are of the greatest interest.
For example, carnelians have been used by jewelers to create exquisite jewelry for hundreds of years. These stones are considered semi-precious, however, they also happen to appear in tandem with gold, platinum, and diamonds. The beauty of carnelian was sung by Byron. He was struck by the deep gray color of the mineral and its hazy glow. Agates, Christoprase, and onyx are no less valuable for jewelers.
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Bijouterie
Varieties of chalcedony are also used to create costume jewelry. Moreover, both on an industrial scale and in craftsmanship.
Today, many craftsmen work with chalcedony. These stones do not need to be cut - their charismatic irregular shape and the intricate pattern are beautiful in their own right. All this gives the stones a unique charm. To create wonderful jewelry, simply polished saw cuts are often used. Polished stone pieces have high decorative properties. This is especially true for those varieties that have unusual patterns and colors.
Amulet from Chalcedony
It is believed that the energy of chalcedony depends on the brightness. The larger it is, the stronger the stone is in its magical properties.
Chalcedony stone saves from nightmares, drives away ghosts and protects sleepwalkers during their night travels, protects from the evil eye and negative energy. Chalcedony in the house protects against natural disasters and accidents, neutralizes the influence of geopathogenic zones.
Talisman Chalcedony
- The Mongols call chalcedony the “stone of joy” and believe that it can drive away melancholy.
- Bluish chalcedony relieved outbursts of dangerous anger and attacks of melancholy.
- Chalcedony reveals the innate creative talents of the wearer in the field of music, painting, theater or literature.
- At the same time, it brings success and attracts material well-being, distracting ill-wishers from its owner.
- It is believed that if you wear a ring with chalcedony set in silver on your middle finger, then this hand will never become poor.
The talisman can be a piece of untreated chalcedony. It is believed that if kept at home, it maintains peace and happiness in the family.
In the old days, chalcedony was considered a stone of love, attracting the hearts of men to a woman, as well as a stone that relieved outbursts of anger and attacks of melancholy.
Decorators also loved this stone. It is easy to work with, it does not chip, does not crack and lends itself perfectly to a grinder and cutter. Chalcedony is used to create figurines, accessories, ritual paraphernalia, and all kinds of decorative elements.
Some of them can be called art objects, and not just beautiful crafts.
In addition, chalcedony is sometimes used to create decorative tiles, countertops, vases, sinks and more. Details made from this mineral are incredibly beautiful in the form of inserts for inlay.
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In the Ancient World, many interesting legends were associated with chalcedony:
- Our ancestors believed that it was from agate (a type of chalcedony) that the legendary cup of Jesus Christ was made - the same one in which Joseph of Arithea collected the blood of the Savior.
- The walls of the Jerusalem Temple of King Solomon were allegedly made from another variety of chalcedony - onyx.
- A ring with carnelian (a type of chalcedony) was worn on earth by the deputy of Allah, Prophet Mohammed.
In Rus', chalcedony was considered the mother of crystal, because. Crystal crystals were most often found in deposits covered with chalcedony.
During the Middle Ages, chalcedony was considered a talisman for sailors.
The world's largest collection of chalcedony and products made from them is now stored and exhibited in the Hermitage. Among its exhibits are works of art of world significance made from chalcedony.
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How to distinguish natural chalcedony from a fake
Natural stone is durable. It is not only beautiful, but is considered unique in any sample. There are no more deposits on the planet over the years, so unscrupulous traders may offer fake grape chalcedony or a stone of a different color. Fake stones differ from the natural type only by using modern technologies, and the process must be performed by a specialist.
Dzhambul chalcedony, like other varieties, is inexpensive stone. But this does not stop dishonest people; fakes are pressed from crushed glass or plastic.
What should future buyers be careful about? When you take black chalcedony in the form of a bracelet or beads, make sure that the stones are the same. Identical beads that do not differ in appearance are most likely not real.
- Chalcedony is an amazing stone, but when buying it, I would like to take a natural mineral and protect myself from counterfeiting. In fact, the danger of being deceived is minimal. Most of the silicas we describe are relatively inexpensive and their purchase weight is measured not in carats, but in kilograms.
- With the question posed in this way, it is unreasonable to counterfeit chalcedony, unless you try to pass off the first piece of plastic that comes your way as a stone. But here it should be remembered that chalcedony is a rather heavy stone; artificial material will always be lighter by comparison. And no one has canceled the test with hot steel.
- So, a needle heated to red will not cause any harm to the mineral, while it will certainly ruin the plastic.
Much more often you will have to deal with real, but painted chalcedony, but they are not difficult to distinguish from the originals. Thus, natural colors are always softer and calmer, and in processed minerals, if you look closely, you can always find a kind of mesh. The path through which the dye penetrated into the stone.
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Care
Different varieties of chalcedony require different approaches to care, which must be taken into account:
- Blue chalcedony should be protected from exposure to acetone, sweat, strong chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
- Green chalcedony should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures, because V otherwise these stones will lose their color.
- To preserve color, black chalcedony (onyx) should be protected from ultrasonic cleaning, exposure to chemical reagents and acetone.
- Orange chalcedony (carnelian and sarder) should be protected from acetone, ultrasonic and steam cleaning, sudden temperature changes and exposure to chemical reagents.
- Chalcedony is a fairly hard stone, but there are harder stones that can scratch and damage chalcedony jewelry, so it is recommended to store it separately from other jewelry, wrapped in a soft cloth.
- It is recommended to remove jewelry with chalcedony before starting sports training or performing any physical work so as not to accidentally damage the stone.
- Chalcedony is easy to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. However, upon completion of cleaning, you should thoroughly rinse the stone and remove any soap residue.
This mineral is one of the most favorite ornamental stones. The reason for this can be called not only the affordable cost of the stone, but also widest choice shades and colors. Today we will talk about the mineral chalcedony (photo) - properties, meaning, who is this stone suitable for.
This stone was first discovered and mined in Ancient Greece. There, near the city of Chalcedon on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, a large deposit of stones was discovered. They were all different shades, but their composition was identical. Therefore, it was decided to unite them under the common name chalcedony.
The stones have a fairly diverse palette of colors. Most often you can find yellow or white chalcedony. In my own way chemical structure the mineral is more like quartz. Traditionally, chalcedony includes quartz stones of blue, light gray, soft lilac and milky blue. But in reality there are other shades of chalcedony.
Chalcedony has a very strong feminine element. Amulets are traditionally made from this stone to protect against the evil eye and bad word. It is also believed that chalcedony is able to drive away evil spirits. For this purpose, chalcedony is used as an amulet by Eastern women. They believe that such an amulet will protect the home from an evil spirit. The effect of chalcedony is best seen if you carry it in your pocket or around your neck.
Stone is widely used in lithotherapy. Moreover, the shade of the stone directly affects its healing abilities. Green or blue chalcedony is beneficial for the nervous system. They can positively influence sleep and relieve depression. To get rid of nightmares in a dream, specially made amulets made from this stone are used. In European countries, amulets are common to help sailors on dangerous journeys.
But at the same time, it must be taken into account that people with heart disease cannot wear it all the time. Chalcedony has a bad effect on the heart in particular and the entire circulatory system in general.
Chalcedony, according to astrologers, is suitable for almost all signs of the Zodiac circle. It is only important to choose the right color of the mineral. For example, white chalcedony or Pink colour Perfect for Virgo and Libra. Black minerals will patronize Scorpio; for Sagittarius, a bright red stone will be an excellent choice. But for Aquarius, any variety of this mineral is suitable.
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