Chalcedony: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Meaning and Recharging of the stone

The stone Chalcedony is a multiform and multicoloured natural stone, and its variations can be used to produce the stone Agate, Aventurine, Chrysoprase, Jasper, Matorolite, Onyx and Sardony.

Natural Chalcedony is a fine stone (formerly called half-precious stone) that is very popular for enhancing jewelry and stimulating the creative side. In lithotherapy, Chalcedony also has a soothing and beneficial effect on its wearer.

History of Chalcedony

Discovered in Asia Minor in 4000 BC, the name Chalcedony refers to the ancient port city of Kalkêdôn (Chalcedon), because of its numerous deposits. Today, this ancient city is called Istanbul, in Turkey. Chalcedony was first used by the Babylonians to make tools and/or primary weapons.

During the Bronze Age, the ancient civilization of the island of Crete, the Minoans used the stone to make "cylinder seals", to print wax seals on documents. These are cylinders decorated with motifs, such as symbols of power or texts identifying the owner.

The Romans also believed in chalcedony's ability to improve eloquence and fluidity of speech. As a result, the orator Cicero wore the stone every time he spoke. The Egyptians used the stone to make artistic objects, which they then used as offerings. In addition, the deceased wore chalcedony stone talismans to facilitate their passage from Judgement to the afterlife.

During the Middle Ages, Chalcedony stone was used for therapeutic purposes, notably to treat and reduce aggressive temperaments such as anger.

Chalcedony also has a religious connection, being cited in the Bible as the third foundation of the wall of Jerusalem. In the Torah, the stone is used to adorn the Pectoral of Judgment. Finally, in the Koran, according to the prophet Mohamet, whoever wears the stone Agate (part of the Chalcedony family) would attract wealth.

Over time, the use of Chalcedony has changed, and is now mainly linked to the creation of artistic objects and jewelry.

Origin and composition of Chalcedony stone

Natural stone Chalcedony is a type of cryptocrystalline quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide SiO2 and has a specific gravity of 2.6.

Chalcedony stone comes from a post-volcanic formation and can be found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, in volcanic rocks and in siliceous sedimentary rocks. Chalcedony is particularly well-suited to mineral deposits and sedimentary zones.

Chalcedony can take on many colors, from opaque to translucent, ranging from blue-gray to pale mauve.

Origin of Chalcedony

The main deposits of Chalcedony are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Uruguay and the United States. Its hardness varies between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale.

Properties and significance of Chalcedony stone

Chalcedony is a stone of communication.

Chalcedony in lithotherapy

On the physical level Chalcedony primarily affects the throat. It improves oral communication, including self-expression. It relieves and alleviates sore throats and speech disorders such as stuttering. It is also said to improve blood circulation and milk production for young mothers. Chalcedony is also beneficial for strengthening bones and nails.

On the other hand, on a spiritual level Chalcedony is beneficial against negative emotions such as sadness, anger and aggressive behavior. It also improves oral communication for shy people. Spiritually, Chalcedony is more open-minded, perfect for those seeking inner peace. What's more, this stone stimulates creativity and enhances the senses.

Please note that lithotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.

Significance of Chalcedony

Chalcedony symbolizes clarity of speech.

Chalcedony is therefore associated with the throat chakra, facilitating communication and providing beneficial properties for the throat. The stone is also associated with the frontal chakra for its open-mindedness and calming effect on negative emotions.

Chalcedony is associated with the astrological signs Sagittarius, Gemini, Capricorn and Cancer.

Chalcedony care, purification and recharging

To care for Chalcedony clean and purify the stone in distilled (non-salty) water.

Finally, recharge it with sunlight or with a cluster of quartz next to it.