Chalcedony is one of the minerals that strikes with a variety of varieties, each of which is named after its own name. Since ancient times, this stone has become a real find for masters of different directions. The stunning works that have survived to this day have become priceless examples of ancient art. Of course, the magical and healing abilities of the gem cannot be ignored.
History and origin
A translucent quartz mineral with an unimaginably rich palette of colors was discovered by the ancient Greeks on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, in the city of Chalcedon. The nugget was named after the place where it was found.
This find was a real breakthrough for the ancient people, since no one could compare with the Greeks in the skill of stone processing. However, it so happened that all the precious minerals were brought from other countries, and many of the stones became the cause of strife and wars.
And then nature revealed its riches to the Greeks. The found deposits of chalcedony marked the beginning of a new direction in jewelry art - glyptic (the art of carving on colored and precious stones). Ancient Greek masters created incredible carvings with figures of people, animals, birds, various scenes from the life of the people.
Such relief figures were called gems, images on convex stone cabochons were called cameos, and carved seals were called intaglios.
It is interesting! Chalcedony is mentioned in many ancient religious scriptures. So, in the Revelation of John the Theologian, chalcedony is described as a stone that adorns the third of the twelve existing foundations of the walls of New Jerusalem - the heavenly city.
By the will of fate, Chalcedon was ruined by the barbarians, who wiped the city off the face of the Earth. The fall of the ancient world took away the art of ancient masters, and the popularity of chalcedony sunk into oblivion for many centuries.
The era of Classicism revived interest in the mineral. Excavations of the ruins of ancient cities delighted archaeologists with amazing finds of magnificent gems, which at that time were of unimaginable historical value. Representatives of the upper classes started a fashion to decorate their tiaras, brooches and necklaces with such figures, emphasizing their position in society.
Over time, interest in such finds only increased. The kings of Europe collected entire collections of works of ancient art. The Hermitage was famous for several thousand copies of antique cameos (carved stones with an image executed in relief) made by ancient craftsmen.
Chalcedony has been popular with many historically famous people. Napoleon and Byron wore chalcedony rings, and Pushkin owned two such jewelry at once. Maximilian Voloshin was fond of collecting various types of minerals found on the Crimean coast, and frequent guests who visited his dacha took copies of this collection with them.
Deposits of chalcedony
Chalcedony is a variety of quartz, which, in turn, is one of the most common minerals. Chalcedony is formed due to the process of crystallization of volcanic rocks at a temperature regime of 700 to 1000 ° C or through hydrothermal exposure.
Germany is famous for the oldest deposit. In addition to this country, the mineral is mined in the following territories:
- Russia (Primorye, Eastern Siberia, Moscow region).
- Brazil.
- Islands of Madagascar.
- India
- Australia.
- USA.
- Uruguay.
- Italy.
- Czech Republic.
- Poland.
- Scotland
Also, there are mining sites in Ukraine and the Transcaucasus.
physical properties
Chalcedony is similar in its physicochemical properties to quartz, representing cryptocrystalline transparent minerals of white-yellow hues. The stone owes its diverse color palette to impurities, as well as to the geological processes under which it is formed. However, despite dozens of independent subspecies, all nuggets have the same characteristics.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Hardness | 6,5-7 |
| Density | 2,58-2,64 g / cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,530-1,539 |
| Cleavage | Absent. |
| Syngonia | Trigonal. |
| Kink | Irregular, less often shelly. |
| Brilliance | Wax or matte. |
| Transparency | Cloudy, translucent. |
| Color | Blueish, yellowish and grey. |
Varieties and colors
Depending on the type of stone, chalcedony can be painted in a variety of colors: reddish, brown, emerald, white, honey, bluish and ocher shades.
The chalcedony group includes many stones, many of which have long been familiar to humans:
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase It consists of chalcedony and quartz, differing in a fine crystalline structure. Due to the high content of nickel, the stone is painted in a rich green color. It is often found in natural deposits.
Agate
Agate consists of dense bands of purple, blue or light blue. The saturation and brightness of shades is determined by the degree of quartz ingrowth.
Jasper
It is distinguished by a peculiar pattern, similar to curls, with a granular quartz structure. Color jasper stones varies from light yellow to rich golden hue.
sapphirine
Especially appreciated in jewelry art due to its delicate translucency. As a result of the refraction of color in chalcedony, the stone acquires a natural color;
Caholong
With a porous and indefinite composition, it is also called milk opal for its snow-white hue. Cacholong stone is rare.
The Moss
The structure resembles natural moss, after which the mineral got its name. There are many impurities in these stones: iron, manganese and nickel. Flywheels of various colors are found in the deposits: from cold steel color to milky white.
Translucent endrigus
Consisting of lutecin, chalcedony and quartz, it is used to make jewelry due to its unusual structure of light color.
Mtorolite
Varies from light green to emerald green. The stone looks exactly like this due to the presence of chromium oxide.
Red carnelian (carnelian)
It is a well-known variety of chalcedony. Sometimes there are striped inclusions in the structure. Iron oxide gives the color to the stone.
Chalcedonic onyx
Onyx Composed of quartz and chalcedony, it has a reddish striped structure.
Medicinal properties
Considering the variety of varieties of the mineral, it is worth noting that any of its properties differ according to the names of the nuggets. Although there are a couple of features that unite all chalcedony without exception.
This is interesting: Ancient manuscripts from many countries of the world contain information about what healing properties of chalcedony our ancestors used. The stone was used for a feverish condition, as well as for skin diseases.
And with chalcedony powder, one of the medieval doctors cured dysentery. Today, Islamists make toothpicks from the mineral of yellow and orange shades. These oral hygiene items are said to strengthen gums and whiten teeth.
Modern herbal medicine describes such healing abilities of different types of gem:
- Onyx has a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys, taking care of the health of these organs.
- Heliotrope helps to establish the normal functioning of the organs of the cardiovascular system.
- Sarder perfectly heals wounds, ulcers, restores damaged skin, and also fights infertility.
- Chrysoprase is an assistant for weather-dependent people. In order to treat such diseases, water charged with a mineral is used (a liquid with a piece of gem should be infused for 5 hours in sunlight).
- Carnelian relieves toothache, stops bleeding, provides a general comfortable state of the body, gives freshness to the skin.
- Sapphirine helps hypotensive patients by increasing blood pressure, and also normalizes the work of the heart.
- Agate has an antitussive effect, eliminates toothache.
Absolutely all types of stone help to calm the nervous system, restoring healthy sleep, relieving depressive states, therefore wearing such jewelry is recommended, first of all, to emotionally unstable people. It is worth noting that the stone also needs rest, so it is better to take breaks and not wear the mineral all the time.
The magic of chalcedony
Since ancient times, the mineral has been known as a “love, joyful” stone. Women used the power of the gem to attract their soulmate, because men did not remain indifferent, succumbing to the magic of chalcedony. And the positive energy of a nugget is able to drive away longing, sad thoughts, melancholic mood from a person. Travelers, especially sailors, took the chalcedony talisman on their way, believing that it would return them home.
The magical power of the mineral is closely related to its healing properties. Stones of bright colors are stronger with energy force, each shade is responsible for certain traits of the owner's character:
- Orange gems enhance the owner's acting abilities, awaken talents, and make a person look more attractive.
- Purple tint develops willpower.
- Red is the color of movement, energy, protection.
- The green stone will develop patience, lead a person to self-sufficiency.
- Blue gems suppress anger and anger, streamline thoughts.
- The black mineral is a symbol of birth and death.
- Brown chalcedony will give balance, bring stability to life.
- Purple is a stone of magic.
The magical properties of the mineral are strong, but not everyone will be able to feel this power. It is necessary to have the nobility of the soul, bright thoughts, in order to know the magic of chalcedony.
An unprocessed piece of a mineral is suitable for family people, which will become a talisman of love, happiness, harmony of intimate relationships.
Talismans and charms
Chalcedony is considered the patron saint of scientists and sailors, so people of this profession try to have jewelry made from this stone.
Even in ancient times, sailors took chalcedony with them to protect the ship from storms, bad weather and shipwrecks. In Babylon and Assyria, chalcedony was given the shape of a cylinder and inscribed on it on the theme of mythology or religion, turning the mineral into a talisman.
Chalcedony helps students in their studies, he directs researchers and wanderers to the right path. In principle, it opens up new horizons for its owner, so it is important to have such an amulet. The agate talisman will protect the child from injuries and falls, and protect from the evil eye.
Chalcedony and zodiac signs
Astrologers unanimously attribute this mineral to the category of universal stones. The gem will not harm any of the signs of the Zodiac, however, for some, the nugget will reveal all the abilities, while for others it will become only an ornament.
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + + + |
| Cancer | + + + |
| Leva | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | + + + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
The "favorites" of chalcedony are representatives of such constellations:
- Sagittarius. Here is the ideal energy compatibility. The mineral gives the owner self-confidence, protects from the negativity of their own emotions, helping to achieve any goals.
- Cancer. For this family, the gem prepares success in love affairs. The stone will contribute to the creation of a strong and friendly family, protecting the spouses in the future from betrayal and conflict.
- Gemini will become more balanced, more restrained with a chalcedony talisman. In addition, the nugget will help the owner focus on achieving one significant goal, without being distracted by secondary matters.
Another group of zodiac signs should pay attention to certain types of stone:
- Aries. Representatives of this constellation are most suitable for heliotrope. This mineral will enhance the best qualities, driving away negative emotions.
- Capricorn. Multi-colored minerals will help to cope with material difficulties, improve the financial situation.
- A lion. Orange gems will unleash the hidden abilities of Lions, while pacifying the natural ardor of emotions a little.
- Virgo. Green and yellow varieties of the stone have a beneficial effect on the emotional and physical health of the representatives of this constellation.
Libra and Taurus will suit chalcedony blue, pink and white tones. Other signs of the Zodiac can only count on a beautiful decoration, since the magical properties of the mineral will not be revealed to them.
Chalcedony has become an amazing find of mankind. This mineral allowed ancient people to use its unusual properties, as well as to create products of indescribable beauty. Until today, craftsmen create beautiful jewelry, decor items, finishing materials for furniture and premises from the gem. And those who believe in the special magical power of this nugget gain incredible protection from malice, envy, and greed.
Compatible with other stones
Chalcedony is a stone of the earth element. Therefore, the neighborhood of earthly brethren is not alien to him. The mineral also behaves friendly with the stones of Air. However, it is worth remembering that such a bright, individual gem should still be worn separately from other jewelry.
Chalcedony can be combined with golden topaz, emerald. Varieties of chalcedony and carnelian with motley agate are combined with each other.
In the manufacture of jewelry, they try to avoid combinations of chalcedony with beryl, opal, crystal, coral, aquamarine и moonstone.
Jewelry with mineral
Chalcedony is considered an ornamental stone. All types of gems are beautiful in their own way, common in nature and, accordingly, very affordable. Beautiful inexpensive jewelry is made from chalcedony. If we talk about jewelry made of silver or gold, then the price will be an order of magnitude higher:
- The price of a silver ring starts from 70 euros, while a gold one can cost 3-5 times more, depending on the accompanying inserts. If we are talking about an elite piece of jewelry with a rare type of agate, such as moss, then the price can reach 1300 euros and more.
- Silver earrings can be purchased from 40 euros, gold, respectively, is more expensive.
- A silver pendant is valued from 20 euros, but can reach up to 230 euros.
- Bracelets start at 80 euros for silver.
As for simple beads and bracelets made of chalcedony cabochons, then the price starts from 4 euros for a bracelet and from 8 euros for beads. The main thing is to be able to distinguish a natural mineral from plastic or glass.
How to wear and care
The owner must determine the time for the purchase on his own, guided by his inner instinct. Chalcedony is unpretentious to dates, lunar phases or days of the week. The main thing is to establish the necessary connection with the mineral.
It is important to know that the mineral used as a talisman must be worn close to the body, without exposing it to others.
You need to wear jewelry and take care of it carefully, adhering to a few simple rules:
- The product must be removed before any physical exertion, in order to avoid mechanical damage, as well as before contact with household chemicals or sudden changes in temperature. Any of the factors is harmful to the mineral.
- Chalcedony should be stored separately or wrapped in a soft cloth so that other stones do not scratch it.
- It is better to clean the mineral with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
Sapphirines and chrysoprase are especially sensitive to the sun. To avoid color loss, it is better not to expose them to long-term exposure to rays.
Other uses of stone
Chalcedony is used to make many other things besides jewelry and ornaments. They make cute souvenirs from it: key chains, amulets and figurines.
Household items made of chalcedony decorate apartments. Gems are used to make dishes, flowerpots and even lampshades with floor lamps. The stones become part of the facing tiles, which are laid out, for example, in the bathroom.
Patterns and pictures of stained-glass windows and mosaics are made from chalcedony. Minerals trim frames for paintings and mirrors. They even make countertops and sinks from solid rocks.
The gem is used to make unusual items: laboratory mortars and supports on which precision instruments are fixed. The stones of this group are even used to make objects for ritual events.
How to distinguish natural chalcedony from a fake
Of course, there is no need to fake an affordable gem, however, when it comes to more expensive varieties, there is a risk of stumbling upon glass or plastic. There are several ways to find out:
- Natural chalcedony is always heavier than fakes.
- A natural mineral will remain cold if you hold it in your palms, but glass or plastic will quickly absorb the warmth of your hands.
- A true mineral is endowed with uneven color, defects and inclusions.
- A fake always looks unnatural, having a bright, unnatural color.
You can also find such a scam as simple chalcedony colored with iron nitrate, passing off as a rarer and more expensive carnelian. Splitting this stone, you can see the truth - the color paints over a maximum of 2 mm of cabochon thickness.
