Hobbies And Interests
What Is Chaldedony?
Chalcedony is a microcrystalline, or cryptocrystalline, form of quartz. That is, the individual crystals can only be seen under high magnification, and typically are formed in layers. Chalcedony and quartz crystals are made of silicon dioxide, which is the world's most common mineral.
Chalcedony registers a hardness from 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale. Many of the chalcedony colors come from other minerals embedded in the silicon dioxide. The blue color is not from other minerals; the blue comes from the way the crystal layers are spaced to make the blue color.
Silicon dioxide is also an anti-caking food additive, added to powdered seasonings and soups. It is a common food additive, with no associated toxicity as currently used.
Where Is Blue Chalcedony Found?
Chalcedony, a type of quartz, is found worldwide. There are places around the world known for mining blue chalcedony.
The name, chalcedony, comes from the old seaport, Chalcedon. This is now Kadikoy, Turkey, near Istanbul. There is a famous blue chalcedony mine in West Anatolia, Turkey, today.
Blue chalcedony is also mined in Namibia, Africa, where it comes in a translucent blue as well as an opaque blue. Africa also has blue chalcedony mines in Malawi.
Blue chalcedony also comes from Mexico, Sumatra, and mines in the American west and southwest, in particular the Mojave Desert (Mojave Blue Agate and Chalcedony) in California, and Mt. Airy (Mt. Airy Blue Chalcedony) in Nevada.
Other chalcedony, including agate, jasper and petrified wood, are found all over the world, often in combination with the blue chalcedony.
Cutting and Polishing Chalcedony
Chalcedony has been used for centuries as a decorative stone. The hardness factor of 7 allows it to be cut, polished, carved and faceted. The blue chalcedony makes lovely beads, earrings and pendants. In times past, it was used to make impressions for wax seals, and even before that, carved for points for weapons.
Because of the porosity of microcrystalline quartz, chalcedony and agate and other varieties, it is easy to use a dye to color the rock. A poorer quality stone may be dyed to appear bluer in color, something for the buyer to be aware.
Blue Chalcedony and Metaphysical Properties
Chalcedony has been used for healing purposes. Blue chalcedony can be worn or carried, or displayed in the home or office, and can aid in providing calmness when there is stress. It is thought to aid with public speaking, and blue chalcedony is also used as an elixir, and is boiled in water with salt to assist with sore throats and hoarseness.