CHALCEDONY GEMSTONE
Chalcedony is cryptocrystalline quartz and is found as silicon dioxide (SiO2) in its natural form. Grey, yellow, buff, blue-white, brown are some of the popular colours of this gemstone. It is found in a large number of varieties such as:
- Agate
- Bloodstone
- Onyx
- Moss Agate
- Carnelian
- Chrysoprase etc
All these varieties are so distinct and prominent individually that these can be discussed separately as individual gemstone.
Chalcedony is characterised by its waxy lustre and attracts the attention of people because of variety of colours it exhibits.
All the known varieties of chalcedony are caused due to the presence of certain minerals in them that actually change the chemical composition as well as the colour pattern of the gemstone giving rise to a distinct quality.
If the gemstone appears as red or green in colour, it is due to the presence of impurities such as iron oxide.
The gemstone is main constituent in sedimentary rocks formed in marine areas and is found in the form of veins, nodules or crusts when found in volcanic rocks. It also appears in petrified forests as fossilizing material, thus, registering its presence over an astronomical span of time.
Normally, the gemstone is translucent in appearance. Only the variety such as jasper is opaque. The translucence is also attributed to the presence of inclusions that actually temper with the clarity of the gemstone.
Chalcedony is the stone of charity, friendship, harmony, endurance, energy and enthusiasm. It makes the person more harmonious and benevolent and also increases the feeling of self-worth. It helps boost confidence by fighting self-doubt making the person more clear in mind.
This gemstone is a major part of project Arizona Petrified Forest National Park where a number of petrified items are on display. It is also found in Brazil, Southwest Africa and Uruguay.
