Aqua Blue Chalcedony

Gemstone:

Birthstone Month:

Aqua Blue Chalcedony is not associated with any particular birthstone month.

Zodiac:

Aqua Blue Chalcedony is not associated with any particular zodiac sign.

Chemical Symbol:

SiO2

Chemical Make-up:

Chalcedony is a Silicon Dioxide.

History & Lore:

Chalcedony is derived from the name of an ancient Greek town in Asia Minor known as Chalkedon.

With the exception of sticks, bones, rocks, and animal skins, Chalcedony is believed to one of the very first raw materials used by mankind, with the earliest recorded uses of Chalcedony being for weapons, tools, knives, bowls and cups.

Chalcedony rings that were worn by ancient Romans are still found in remarkably good shape today.

Chalcedony was used as a sacred stone by Native Americans, who believed that it would promote stability within the ceremonial rituals of the tribe.

Chalcedony is believed to increase endurance, stamina, vitality, and to promote emotional balance, kindness, charity, and friendliness. Physically, Chalcedony is said to relieve melancholy, fever, irritability, gall stones, and eye problems.

Availability:

Chalcedony is readily available and is found in a wide range of colors and shapes, with abundant sources ensuring that Chalcedony is a low to moderately priced gemstone.

Sources:

There are deposits of Chalcedony the world over.

Evaluation:

Aqua blue Chalcedony is rated at 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and is a tough, durable gemstone that is suitable for all jewelry applications, and easy to care for. It is a translucent stone with a waxy luster and displays colors varying from a medium light blue to a greenish blue. Aqua Blue Chalcedony's at the pinnacle of the value spectrum will have strong color saturation and high translucence.

Common Cuts:

Excellent durability and fine texture not only allows Chalcedony to be cut into almost all of the commonly recognized gemstone shapes/cuts, but also allows delicate and intricate pieces of workmanship.

Routine Enhancements:

Chalcedony is porous and is therefore often dyed to produce / enhance color.

Care & Cleaning:

Aqua Blue Chalcedony can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove any lingering grease or dirt. Chalcedony does not require any special care for wearing or cleaning, but nonetheless it should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals that could possibly damage the stone. Aqua blue Chalcedony jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined box away from other harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching.