Introduction
A form of microcrystalline quartz, the chalcedony family of stone encompasses a dozen different colored gemstone varieties. Some of these varieties include agate, carnelian, chrysoprase, onyx, jasper, blue chalcedony, pink chalcedony, and aqua chalcedony. In case you are thinking about whether chalcedony are real gemstones or not, well, yes, they are. They are semi-precious gemstones.
The pronunciation of chalcedony may surprise you – it's not the typical “ch”, like in “chat”, rather, it's kal-SEH-duh-nee. Chalcedony gemstones are well known for their soft hues, affordable prices, and diverse varieties. So, without further ado, let's begin exploring the world of chalcedony.
What Is Chalcedony?
Most of the chalcedony stones are found in colors of blue, gray, or white. The blue chalcedony variety, in particular, is found to be the most valuable because it shows subtle adularescence – which is nothing but an internal glow, which is shown in gemstones such as the moonstone. In the context of birthstones, chalcedony has been found to be the May birthstone, even historically. And it is still a zodiac stone for Gemini. Certain chalcedony varieties are also gifted as presents on wedding anniversaries. For instance, onyx is considered the traditional 7th-anniversary gemstone, carnelian is considered the 17th-anniversary gemstone, and lastly, chrysoprase is considered the 18th-anniversary gemstone.
Characteristics of Chalcedony
As we mentioned above, chalcedony stone is a type of microcrystalline quartz. You must be thinking, what does it mean? Well, different categories of quartz stones can either be microcrystalline (with microscopic crystals that are densely compacted together) or macrocrystalline (with large crystals that are visible). An example of macrocrystalline quartz is Citrine or amethyst.
Another important thing that you need to make a note of is, that most chalcedony varieties also contain moganite along with microcrystalline quartz. Typically, the content of moganite within chalcedony ranges between one to twenty percent. On the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, chalcedony varies between 6 and 7.
Different Types of Chalcedony
Agate
Agate is a type of chalcedony that is characterized by color patterns, like multi-colored angular/curved bandings, or transparency. Opaque varieties of agate are called jasper at times. As a type of cryptocrystalline quartz, you will find many agate varieties in the market, such as fire agate, iris agate, moss agate, etc. Agate gemstone gets its colors because of the presence of trace minerals such as chromium, manganese, nickel, titanium, and iron within it. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, agate lies between 6.5 and 7.
Agates are believed to have many healing properties. It is said that agates improve blood circulation, and support the immune system. They are also said to relieve problems related to digestion. Mentally, agates enhance the functions of the brain, thus improving concentration and enhancing analytical abilities. It is also said that wearing agate jewelry can help the wearer deal with his anger and anxiety while strengthening his relationships.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a type of silica mineral quartz that is found to be translucent to opaque. This chalcedony variety is found in medium shades of yellow, orange, and red. In the market, you may find these gems having a pattern of all three hues or one, solid color. Within all the different types of carnelian, the variety having a reddish-orange hue is considered to be the most valuable. On the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, carnelian ranks an impressive seven, making them tougher than knives and nails.
Carnelian gemstone has many healing properties. For instance, it can ward off your depression, and it can enable you to face each day with an undying hope of good things happening to you. Carnelian will also allow you to let go of your feelings of inadequacy and fill you up with much-needed positivity. Lastly, the beautiful red of carnelian sparks up the user’s creativity and allows his inner artist to speak up.
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a beautiful green variety of chalcedony found in deep green to milky yellow-green colors. The most common color in which Chrysoprase is found is apple green. Although not famous, it is one of the rarest types of chalcedony. The beautiful green hue in Chrysoprase comes from nickel oxide. Also known as “the stone of spring”, Chrysoprase is the birthstone for the month of May.
Chrysoprase is found to help the user with mindfulness, growth, and emotional balance. Physically, Chrysoprase helps the user with reproductive health. How? Well, Chrysoprase is found to improve fertility, increase libido, and give a boost to reproductive organs. Emotionally, chrysoprase promotes a hopeful, positive outlook, allowing you to see the bright side of things. By allowing you to accept those emotions that hold you back, Chrysoprase helps you in taking back control of your life.
Moss Agate
Moss agate is a sub-type of agate that possesses green filament-like inclusions, that give this agate a superficial appearance of blue cheese or moss. This type of agate usually has a transparent background, making the filament-like inclusions appear in 3D. It is also known as the “stone of Mother Gaia.”
The healing properties of Moss Agate are as follows. It boosts the immune system, promotes healthy digestion, and provides anti-inflammatory properties. Moss agate also balances mood, while fostering emotional stability of the individual. Lastly, it enhances self-esteem, thus enabling you to make new friends more easily.
Onyx
Onyx is a dark chalcedony stone possessing parallel bands of colors such as black, brown, white, or sometimes purple, which happens on rare occasions. Within the gemological society, people argue about whether onyx is an agate or not. But even here, people agree with the fact that onyx’s flat, lined color bands are different in comparison to the curved bands in an agate. We bet that the most common onyx that you might be familiar with would be black onyx. But this color rarely occurs naturally, oftentimes, the black color in black onyx is a result of dyeing treatments or sugar-acid treatment.
Onyx comes with amazing benefits and healing properties. For instance, it can strengthen control over oneself and boost self-confidence. It also allows the user to make good decisions, by giving him thoughtful insights. Lastly, it balances the yin and yang energies, or the feminine and masculine energies in a person, making him to be more grounded.
Jasper
Composed of silica, Jasper is a member of the member of quartz mineral family possessing an opaque appearance. The quartz present in Jasper is tiny or of a microcrystalline nature, turning jasper into a type of chalcedony. Within all the different types of jasper, you will find distinct colors and patterns due to the trace amount of mineral impurities. On the Mohs scale of hardness, jasper clocks an impressive 7, which is why it is a dependable stone in the field of home décor and jewelry making.
Jasper is a protective and powerful gemstone with multiple healing properties. For instance, it balances the wearer’s energy, reduces inflammation within muscles, soothes anxiety, and improves focus. It also brings improvement in relationships by making you a better communicator, who can easily empathize with anyone.
Blue Chalcedony
Blue chalcedony is one of the rarest varieties within the chalcedony family. Since blue chalcedony occurs in large formations in nature, it is perfect for crafting, cutting, and tumbling. All the blue chalcedony that is sold in the market today comes only from one single region – Turkey. This area from where blue chalcedony is extracted is believed of been used since 2500 B.C. The blue color in this stone occurs when the light scatters by colloid-sized particles, which is also called the Tyndall effect.
Blue chalcedony gemstone calms down the emotional body, allowing the user to help communicate his truest ideas and thoughts. This beautiful gemstone also encourages deep discussions with your loved ones whom you cherish, thus strengthening the relationship between you and them. If you are in situations where you need to express yourself better, such as when you have to do some public speaking, use blue chalcedony and see its magic. It will allow you to channel powerful emotions into your words as you speak, making you a powerful communicator.
Pink Chalcedony
One of the opaque varieties of chalcedony is pink chalcedony. This beautiful gemstone is only found in masses with its color ranging from light red and bright shades of pink to light and dull pink. This type of chalcedony is also a rare variety of chalcedony, which is why it is highly desired by jewelers and artisans all across the globe. With the main source of pink chalcedony being Brazil, there are only a few commercial mines of this stone present all across the world.
As you wear pink chalcedony jewelry, you will feel your body being filled with peace, love, and joy. This stone also injects life force and regeneration into your aura, easing down any form of pain or suffering that you might be going through. As you use pink chalcedony, you will feel your heart space healing because of you releasing and letting go of the pain bodies of the past.
Aqua Chalcedony
Aqua Chalcedony is a variety of chalcedony known for its beautiful blue shade and is found in both translucent and opaque forms. It has a waxy and smooth appearance. The soft blue color present in aqua chalcedony is due to the presence of trace amounts of iron in it. Primarily, this gemstone is mined in Namibia, Madagascar, Brazil, and Uruguay. This stone is used a lot for Feng Shui purposes; since aqua chalcedony is considered to be a stone belonging to the water element, placing it in the eastern area of your home can invite harmonious energies.
Aqua chalcedony has tons of healing properties. But primarily, this gemstone is famous for its soothing and calming energies. Promoting feelings of tranquility, peace, and emotional balance, this gemstone allows individuals to heal their emotional wounds. This stone is also found to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Last but not least, as a throat chakra stone, aqua chalcedony improves communication and supports the individual to experience harmonious relationships.
Conclusion
We hope that you liked this blog that explains everything that you need to know about chalcedony. With a plethora of varieties to choose from, it's time to cheer for this beautiful gemstone and purchase chalcedony jewelry. With so many e-commerce websites, you will easily find chalcedony jewelry that suits your taste and style. So don’t think much – go online, and find the jewelry that you think is the best. If you are a jewelry retailer, looking to buy chalcedony jewelry at wholesale prices, then visit Rananjay Exports.
Rananjay Exports is India’s top wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier, exporting its 925 sterling silver jewelry and gemstone jewelry all over the world since 2013. You will be surprised by their designer jewelry collection, as their gemstone jewelry is available in 250+ different gemstones. So, browse the official website of Rananjay Exports and order your favorite chalcedony jewelry now!
