Natural chalcedony is a very popular fine stone for enhancing jewelry and stimulating the creative side.
Brief History
Discovered in Asia Minor in 4000 BC, the name chalcedony refers to the ancient port city of Khalkedon (Chalcedon), due to its numerous deposits. Today, this ancient city is called Istanbul, in Turkey. Chalcedony was first used by the Babylonians to make primary tools and/or weapon.
During the Bronze Age, the ancient civilization of the island of Crete, the Minoans, used the stone to make “cylinder seals,” to imprint wax seals on documents. These are cylinders decorated with motifs, such as symbols of power or texts that identify the owner.
The Romans also believed in the ability of chalcedony to improve eloquence and the fluency of speech. Therefore, Cicero carried the stone whenever he spoke. The Egyptians used the stone to make artistic objects, which they then used as offerings. In addition, the deceased carried chalcedony talismans to facilitate their passage from the Last Judgement to the afterlife.
During the Middle Ages, chalcedony was used for therapeutic purposes, especially to treat and reduce aggressive temperaments such as anger.
Chalcedony also has a religious connection, as it is cited in the Bible as the third foundation of the wall of Jerusalem. In the Torah, the stone is used to adorn the Breastplate of Judgement. Finally, in the Koran, according to the prophet Mohammed, whoever wears the Agate stone (belonging to the chalcedony family) will attract wealth.
Over time, the use of chalcedony has changed and today it is mainly linked to the creation of artistic objects and jewelry.
- Character : Chalcedony is a type of cryptocrystalline quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide SIO2.
- Color : Chalcedony can take on many colors, from opaque to translucent, ranging from bluish gray to pale mauve.
- Hardness : Its hardness varies between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Origen : The main deposits are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia and Uruguay
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