CHALCEDONY

Chalcedony (pronounced kal-sed-ah-nee) is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, with the chemical formula SiO2, and a Mohs hardness of 6-7. Chalcedony forms when silica-rich water is deposited within rock cavities and nodules, slowly allowing for precipitation of tiny silica particles within the open spaces. It can occur in a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the impurities and minerals present in the deposit. It is composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz, along with very small amounts of another silicate mineral called moganite. Different varieties of chalcedony include agate, carnelian, chrysoprase, and jasper. Archeological evidence suggests its widespread use as a gemstone since Early Antiquity.

CHALCEDONY HISTORY AND USES

The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius, and is most likely derived from the town of Chalcedon, in Turkey. The name first officially appears in Roman Naturalist and Philosopher, Pliny the Elder's, “Naturalis Historia”, as a term for a pale blue and translucent kind of jasper. Additionally, another reference to a gem by the name of khalkedón is found in the Book of Revelation (21:19); however, it is found nowhere else in the Bible, so it is hard to tell whether the precious gem that is mentioned in Revelations is actually the same as the mineral known by a similar name today.

Archeological discoveries from Cleland Hills, Central Australia, dating back 32,000 years, uncovered small deposits of chalcedony in stone that was brought in from quarries many miles away, indicating its first known distribution amongst early people. At the Bhimbetka rock shelters in India, chalcedony was found to be used as green and yellow pigment in prehistoric cave paintings; the chalcedony found here was ground to powdered form and then mixed with water and animal fat or tree resin. During the Bronze Age, chalcedony was in use throughout much of Greece; for example, on Minoan Crete at the Palace of Knossos, chalcedony wax seals and amulets have been recovered dating from 1800 BC, or 3,800 years ago. Additionally, archeological evidence suggests that people living along the Greek - Central Asian trade routes also used various forms of chalcedony, such as carnelian, to carve beads and ornamental talismans of good fortune and protection.

CHALCEDONY METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, chalcedony is said to aid its user with emotional balance. A stone of the higher chakras, it is said that chalcedony allows its user to put their best foot forward when working towards ambitious endeavors, removing self-doubt and encouraging constructive inward reflection. A powerful cleansing stone, it is said that chalcedony can help to absorb negative energy and allow for its easy dissipation and non-transmission. Physically, chalcedony is said to aid the body with afflictions of the mind, such as dementia and senility. It is also said to aid with the healthy functions of the gallbladder and spleen, as well as the eyes and circulatory system.