Blue chalcedony is one of the most sought after stones, especially by people who believe in the energetic and magical properties of minerals. This article explains all the physical properties, meaning and uses of the blue gem.
The blue chalcedony stone, as it is popularly known, is a microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline variety of blue colored quartz, which is why it is also mineralogically related to blue agate.
Mineralogically, blue chalcedony is considered a mineral belonging to the group of silicates, tectosilicates being a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz.
Why is it blue?
What makes this stone or mineral special is its beautiful blue color which basically happens because riebeckite and crocidolite inclusions in its composition during the formation of chalcedony. Therefore, these mineralogical impurities are what give it that blue hue.
Properties and characteristics of the blue chalcedony mineral
The blue chalcedony stone As for its hardness, it is very similar to that of a quartz crystal, so it has a value of 7 on the Mohs scale. This feature is highly appreciated in jewelry.
It naturally occurs from translucent to semi-transparent, this will depend on the amount or intensity of the blue color and the crocidolite impurities in the gem. Its shine is matte, very similar to its sisters, the agates.
The mineral occurs in nodular, geode-overlaying, botryoidal, massive masses, and band-like forms.
| blue quartz | Physical and chemical properties and characteristics |
|---|---|
| class, group | Silicates, tectosilicates, microcrystalline quartz |
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Composition | silicon dioxide |
| Color | blue, blue gray |
| Stripe | white |
| Hardness | 7 |
| crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Transparency | transparent to opaque |
| specific gravity | 2.6 – 2.7 |
| Gloss | Vitreous, waxy or opaque |
| Neckline | None |
| Fracture | Conchoid |
| Tenacity | Fragile |
| complex tests | It dissolves in hydrofluoric acid. |
| Ambient | It occurs in all mineral environments, especially in igneous environments. |
Spiritual meaning of the blue chalcedony stone
In various cultures worldwide, especially in North America, it is considered that the blue chalcedony stone generates calm in an emotional aspect and is used so that its owner can communicate his thoughts and ideas with more conviction.
The blue chalcedony Considered a sacred stone by Native American Indians, it was said to be used daily to promote stability during ceremonial activities as well as meditations to create a path to receive a successful transmission from the spirit world.
Because of this, the stone is believed to foster deeper conversations with loved ones and friends, which will not only strengthen your relationships, but also help “awaken” your deepest emotions.
It is also believed that this gem manages to boost self-confidence and security, which is why it is very popular among lawyers and speakers. In addition, many people say that being part of the quartz family makes it an excellent protective stone against bad energy.
Due to its intense blue hue, it is also related to sincerity, calm and professionalism, being also a symbol of health and vitality.
Emotional properties
The blue chalcedony it alleviates doubts about oneself and brings a useful peace to inner reflection. It can eliminate hostility and promote a carefree optimism.
It is thought that blue chalcedony promotes calm and also manages to focus the emotional energy field of the person who has the gem. Therefore, they use it to eliminate worry, and promote a better future.
Occurrence and deposits of blue chalcedony
The blue chalcedony It is an abundant mineral but it does not always occur in gem-quality quality, the truth is that most samples are bluish-gray tones.
The blue-toned varieties usually appear in rock cavities very close to volcanic centers and are associated with hydrothermal fluids of acid composition, that is, rich in silica that mainly affect metamorphic rocks where crocidolite is usually common. It is also quite common for them to appear associated with quartz geodes.
The name Chalcedon is said to come from the port city of Chalcedon in Greece. But gem-quality stones can be found in Namibia, Morocco, Mexico, Madagascar, India, and Brazil.
Blue Chalcedony Gem Uses
As a precious stone and in jewelry
Due to the fact that this mineral usually occurs in a relatively wide abundance and that it can present banded, massive or multicolored textures and because, thanks to its hardness, it is a quite resistant material, they are highly coveted for use in handmade jewelry and costume jewelery.
Excellent accessories are made with this gem, such as bracelets, pendants, chains, cabochons, earrings, necklaces and much more.
To attract wealth
Apart from the magical properties and beliefs to which this stone is associated, in several places in the world it is also associated with wealth, which is why it is used to solve work problems, in business and for the good luck.
As a collection and ornamental stone
In general, the blue chalcedony stone usually appears associated with other very striking minerals such as blue quartz or agate stone as geodes, and these rock formations are highly coveted by mineral collectors.