Chalcedony

Names of the stone:      Chalcedony or Calcedony from the Anglo-French calcedonie- precious stone.
Color:    Chalcedony can be virtually any color of the rainbow. It is commonly pale blue, yellow, brown or gray with a nearly wax-like luster. A white, buff or light tan species of chalcedony has also been found.
Description:    SiO2     Chalcedony is a finely crstalized or fibrous quartz that forms rounded crusts, rinds or stalactites in volcanic or sedementary rocks. Chalcedony is a precious stone that occurs in many forms, colors and shapes. Chalcedony agates, jaspers, bloodstone, carnelian, onyx and chrysoprase, all make up the chalcedony gemstones. Chalcedonic pseudomorphs after other minerals often give rise to very interesting specimens. Other physical properties are those of quartz.
Care and treatment:     Protect chacedony from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
History of the stone:       The Romans prized chalcedony as seals, and the VIctorians carved them into an endless array of cameos and intaglios. Chalcedony was used during the Renaissance for magic, health and safety. In all ages chalcedony has been very commonly used by the gem engraver and many colored varieties are still cut and polished as ornamental stones.
Chalcedony is one of the stones used in commesso, also called florentine mosaic. Commesso is a technique for fashioning pictures with thin, cut- to -shape pieces of brightly colored, semi-precious stones, which was developed in Florence in the late 16th century. The stones that were most commonly used were agates, quartzes, chalcedonies, jaspers, granites, porphyries, petrified wood and lapis lazuli. Commesso pictures, used mainly for tabletops and small wall panels, range from emblematic and floral subjects to landscapes.
Uses:      Chalcedony is an in-expensive stone. It is one of the best wearing stones on the market. Chalcedony is also one of the most collected gemstones today.
Healing ability:         This beautiful stone is believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Chalcedony reduces fever. Wearing chalcedony is believed to be excellent for the eyes.
Mystical power:        Chalcedony prevents depression. It is worn by many to promote peace and calm. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.
Deposits:    Chalcedony is found in many parts of the world, but the most prized chalcedony is from India, Madagascar, Burma, Brazil, Mexico and USA.
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