What does natural chalcedony look like?

Chalcedony is a translucent variety of quartz that comes in a variety of colors. It forms sinter masses, veins and crusts. The mineral has several varieties and shades. Chalcedony stone is actively used in the jewelry industry, and people consider this mineral the patron saint of love.

History of the mineral

Chalcedony stone got its name in honor of the ancient Greek city of Chalcedon, which is located in Asia Minor. This mineral has been known since the times of Ancient Greece, when the art of mining and processing gems began to develop rapidly. Deposits were discovered on the shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara. The nugget was used to carve three-dimensional images on stone cabochons. More often, blue or green chalcedony was used for this purpose. In total, the mineral has more than one hundred varieties. Since ancient times, jewelry with chalcedony has been popular. In addition, this mineral was the basis for the creation of many legends and stories. Thus, John the Theologian in his writings argued that it is chalcedony that adorns 3 of the 12 foundations of the walls of the heavenly city of New Jerusalem. The mineral is found in volcanic rocks. In modern times, it is mined in South America, Iceland and Russia (in the Urals, Siberia and Karelia). Deposits have also been discovered on the banks of the Don and Volga.

Varieties

The mineral is unique in that it has several varieties that differ from each other in origin, composition and color. Chalcedony geode, in most cases, consists of small crystals. Varieties also include: mtorolite, carnelian, sapphirine, cacholong, heliotrope and many others. Each stone has certain abilities and, according to some claims, is endowed with magical powers. The most famous types of chalcedony are:

• jasper – has an interesting yellow color;
• endrigus – white chalcedony (sometimes translucent), very often used in the jewelry industry due to its unique structure;
• chalcedony onyx – has a red tint with striped inclusions;
• agate – has a purple or blue tint, the saturation of which depends on the level of quartz ingrowth;
• chrysoprase – has a fine crystalline structure, the green color is acquired due to the high nickel content.

Healing and magical properties

Stones have the ability to treat and cure people of various kinds of ailments. The healing properties of chalcedony stone are very diverse. Thus, the mineral relieves problems with blood pressure, which is why red chalcedony is recommended to be worn by hypertensive patients and weather-sensitive people. When worn regularly, the stone improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

If a person has a tendency to nervous breakdowns or suffers from insomnia, then he needs to wear green or pink chalcedony. It makes sleep sound and deep. For regular depressive states, it is recommended to wear a ring inlaid with this mineral.

It is better not to wear such jewelry to suspicious people, since continuous wearing can become a source of causeless fears and panic attacks.

The magical properties of chalcedony are also known. Astrologers and esotericists unanimously claim that the mineral, especially its variety carnelian, has great energy power. Striped chalcedony is able to restore vitality and replenish the lack of wasted energy. In addition, the magical properties of the stone help in achieving your goals. Protective amulets and amulets are often made from the mineral.

Belonging to zodiac signs

Being born under the influence of a certain sign endows a person with a certain set of properties and character traits. Cancer is the one for whom chalcedony is most suitable. This zodiac sign knows how to value love, home and family, so it can choose the mineral for itself as a talisman or amulet. For Gemini, chalcedony and its properties will also be very useful. Gemini, whose temperament is prone to nervous breakdowns, will become more thoughtful and organized if they regularly carry this mineral with them.

Leos and Capricorns are those for whom this stone is suitable for achieving financial well-being. Virgos who wear jewelry with this stone will find it easier to establish relationships with people around them. Sagittarians are those who benefit from this stone to restore their energy. It is not forbidden to wear this stone for those who according to the horoscope belong to Libra, Aries or Aquarius.

The main advantages of this gem over other precious and semi-precious stones include its low price. A nugget measuring 2-3 cm costs an average of 500 rubles. At the same time, rings, bracelets and necklaces inlaid with stones look beautiful and unusual. The variety of colors allows each person to choose the ideal option for themselves. The mineral does not require special care. However, blue and green nuggets should be protected from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Aggressive chemicals, in particular acetone, can harm any stone. When purchasing a stone, you must carefully read the certificate that must accompany the nugget of natural origin. The absence of this document indicates the fact of forgery.

Chalcedony is one of those stones that, due to its special properties and variety of varieties, was one of the first to be mined on earth. Varieties of chalcedony became the favorite stones of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Frederick the Great, Alexander Pushkin and many other famous historical figures.

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. Chalcedony has many different shades, reddish, slightly brown, ocher, emerald, blue, and may include inclusions of various colors.

1. History of the stone
2. Price
3. Interesting Facts
4. Medicinal properties
5. Magical properties
6. How to distinguish from fakes
7. Stone care

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 sacred 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. Seals and special rings with seals carved from this delightful stone were considered especially chic. Many products from that period can be seen today among museum exhibits. The Romans and Greeks also believed in the healing power of chalcedony. Claudius Galen, Pliny the Elder, and Paracelsus wrote about the healing properties of this stone in their works.

Confirmation of the use of chalcedony in the ancient world for medicinal purposes can be seen in ancient Chinese and ancient Indian treatises, medieval lapidariums, as well as 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. The fashion for chalcedony as a 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. This stone was especially loved by representatives of the Russian intelligentsia – Andrei Bely, Osip Mandelstam, Alexei Tolstoy, Mikhail Bulgakov, Alexander Green, Nikolai 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.

PRICE

Natural chalcedony, even of ornamental quality, in beads costs from 1000 to 4000 rubles. Beads made from chipped natural undyed chalcedony cost up to 1000 rubles. Prices vary greatly depending on the type of chalcedony. The approximate cost of chalcedony raw materials in Russia is 18-20 $/kg (up to 20 kg), for crystals and joints 1-50 $/kg. Accordingly, cut chalcedony and jewelry made from this stone will depend on the manufacturer who bought the raw materials and on the store that bought these jewelry.

INTERESTING FACTS

• 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, the Prophet Mohammed.
• In Rus’, chalcedony was considered the mother of crystal, since 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.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Ancient healers (Avicenna, Paracelsus and others) highly valued the healing properties of chalcedony. It was believed that the stone helped whiten teeth and strengthen gums, and cure dysentery and fever. Very often it was used as protection against snake bites, insect bites and the effects of poisons. Blue chalcedony has a positive effect on the nervous system, stimulates memory, brings peace and good sleep. The mineral has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and helps reduce high blood pressure.

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 the body. Many people note the healing properties of chalcedony; even wearing a bracelet made of this stone significantly stabilizes blood pressure.

HEALING PROPERTIES

The mineral was used to make amulets and amulets that ward off evil forces and bad dreams. Jewelry and stone objects were highly valued by sailors and travelers. Healers see the feminine principle in chalcedony. Therefore, the gem is able to attract happiness, love and strengthen family relationships. In the East, it was believed that the stone relieves melancholy and loneliness. Colored chalcedony is considered a stone of love. It attracts male attention to a woman, harmonizes intimate relationships and enhances sexual energy. A stone in a silver ring worn on the middle finger brings wealth. Thanks to its magical properties, the mineral protects the home from bad weather and geopathogenic zones.

A woman wearing a bracelet made of chalcedony calls love and joy into the home, protects the family hearth from natural disasters, quarrels and betrayals. The mineral sharpens logical thinking, pacifies anger and pride. Jewelry with chalcedony cannot be worn constantly, as the stone absorbs energy. The brighter the color of the mineral, the stronger the magical properties it has.
In Mongolia, chalcedony is a remedy for eliminating despondency and mental anguish; many Mongols wear chalcedony jewelry or small stones with them also to ward off 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.

HOW TO DISTINGUISH FROM A FAKE

Quite often in the jewelry market, instead of natural chalcedony, customers are offered fakes made of glass and plastic. To distinguish natural stone from such an imitation, you need to carefully examine the product, paying attention to the following:

• Natural chalcedony is quite heavy, which significantly distinguishes it from a plastic fake.
• Natural chalcedony cold. It doesn’t heat up in your hands for a long time.
• Natural chalcedony contains natural inclusions and defects. Its natural pattern cannot be absolutely even and ideal.
• Natural chalcedony is distinguished by a calm color scheme without flashy artificial shades.
• The seller must have a certificate for natural chalcedony.

STONE CARE

Different varieties of chalcedony require different approaches to care, which must be taken into account:

1. Blue chalcedony should be protected from exposure to acetone, sweat, strong chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
2. Green chalcedony should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures, because otherwise these stones will lose their color.
3. To preserve color, black chalcedony (onyx) should be protected from ultrasonic cleaning, exposure to chemical reagents and acetone.
4. Orange chalcedony (carnelian and sarder) should be protected from acetone, ultrasonic and steam cleaning, sudden temperature changes and exposure to chemical reagents.

In addition, there are general recommendations for care and storage for all chalcedony. 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 also 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.