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[[File:Chalcedony stone.jpg|400px|thumb|Specimen of natural chalcedony]] | [[File:Chalcedony stone.jpg|400px|thumb|Specimen of natural chalcedony]] | ||
'''Chalcedony''' is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of [[quartz]] and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic. | '''Chalcedony''' is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of [[quartz]] and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal [[crystal]] structure, while moganite is monoclinic. | ||
Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The color of chalcedony sold commercially is often enhanced by dyeing or heating. | Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The color of chalcedony sold commercially is often enhanced by dyeing or heating. | ||
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* [[Carnelian]] - A clear-to-translucent reddish-brown variety. | * [[Carnelian]] - A clear-to-translucent reddish-brown variety. | ||
* [[Bloodstone]] - Heliotrope is a green variety of chalcedony. | * [[Bloodstone]] - Heliotrope is a green variety of chalcedony. | ||
* [[Chrysoprase]] - Chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel. | |||
* Onyx - A variant of agate with black and white banding. | * Onyx - A variant of agate with black and white banding. | ||
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==Spiritual use== | ==Spiritual use== | ||
Chalcedony is a nurturing stone that promotes friendship and goodwill. Its presence may enhance the stability of a group of people including family members, friends, or co-workers. The stone can be used to enhance telepathy and mental transmission. Chalcedony is capable of absorbing negative energy. Blue chalcedony is specifically good for protecting, healing, and otherwise nurturing the throat chakra. | Chalcedony is a nurturing stone that promotes friendship and goodwill. Its presence may enhance the stability of a group of people including family members, friends, or co-workers. The stone can be used to enhance telepathy and mental transmission. Chalcedony is capable of absorbing negative energy. Blue chalcedony is specifically good for protecting, healing, and otherwise nurturing the throat [[chakra]]. | ||
According to [[Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa]], chalcedony is a stone under the planets [[Saturn]] and [[Mercury]] together with the tail of [[Scorpio]] and [[Capricorn]]. | According to [[Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa]], chalcedony is a stone under the planets [[Saturn]] and [[Mercury]] together with the tail of [[Scorpio]] and [[Capricorn]]. | ||
===Biblical references=== | ===Biblical references=== | ||
According to tradition, at least three varieties of chalcedony were used in the [[Judaism|Jewish]] High Priest's Breastplate, which was worn by Moses' brother Aaron containing inscribed gems representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The Breastplate included [jasper]], chrysoprase, and sardonyx, and there is some debate as to whether other agates were also used. | According to tradition, at least three varieties of chalcedony were used in the [[Judaism|Jewish]] High Priest's Breastplate, which was worn by Moses' brother Aaron containing inscribed gems representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The Breastplate included [[jasper]], chrysoprase, and sardonyx, and there is some debate as to whether other agates were also used. | ||
Another religious reference to a gem by the name of ''khalkedon'' (χαλκηδών) is found in the [[Book of Revelation]] (21:19); however, it is a ''hapax legomenon'' found nowhere else in the [[Bible]], so it is hard to tell whether the precious gem mentioned in Revelation is the same as the mineral known by this name today. | Another religious reference to a gem by the name of ''khalkedon'' (χαλκηδών) is found in the [[Book of Revelation]] (21:19) as a precious stone decorating the walls of the city of New Jerusalem; however, it is a ''hapax legomenon'' found nowhere else in the [[Bible]], so it is hard to tell whether the precious gem mentioned in Revelation is the same as the mineral known by this name today. | ||
It is the stone of the [[Archangels of the Zodiac|Archangel of the Zodiac]] [[Muriel]], who rules over the sign of [[Cancer]]. | It is the stone of the [[Archangels of the Zodiac|Archangel of the Zodiac]] [[Muriel]], who rules over the sign of [[Cancer]]. | ||
[[Category:Gemstones]] | [[Category:Gemstones]] | ||