Captivating Chalcedony Gemstones - American Beads Corporation

1. Captivating Chalcedony Gemstones Chalcedony is a type of quartz (silicon dioxide), and there are many members of the chalcedony family. The shared characteristics of this captivating gem are its milky, translucent to, semi-transparent appearance. Once polished, chalcedony emits a soft, subtle glow. Structurally, all types of chalcedony are the same, so it is often referred to by its color. Examples are Onyx, carnelian, jasper, fire agates, and heliotrope. Chalcedony has a 6 -7 rating on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it an excellent gemstone for chalcedony beads, pendants, and cabochons. Its hardness, variety of colors, sizes, availability, and affordability make it attractive to lapidaries and jewelers. Blue chalcedony is a popular form, with its soft, luminous, pastel hues of light-blue color. Many designers chose it for its mesmerizing effect and its metaphysical qualities. All chalcedony gemstones are nurturing and stabilizing — blue variations are known for the following healing qualities.     Blue chalcedony gemstones are “creative stones” enhancing imaginative thought and artistic energy. The gemstone opens one’s mind to embrace new thoughts, ideas, and ways of doing things. Blue chalcedony is an excellent gemstone choice to stabilize thoughts and emotions. This gemstone promotes generosity and benevolence and assists in cultivating authentic and honest relationships with ourselves and others. It imparts optimism about the future and helps us feel uplifted and light-hearted. Associated with the upper chakras, blue chalcedony beads and gemstones help us communicate better with others and the higher realm.   An interesting characteristic about chalcedony is that wax won’t stick to it, so it became a popular material to make intaglios throughout history. Intaglios are stamps or seals that secure letters and documents using hot wax and denote who the correspondence is from. Symbols or signatures were carved into the stones and when pressed into the melted wax they leave an impression in the wax. If you are wondering where you can purchase your own chalcedony gemstone beads, head on over to the American Bead Corporation website and have a peek at our lovely collection. We have a large selection of blue chalcedony beads in all sizes, shapes, and shades. Thank You!