Gemstones - Background and Lore - Chalcedony

Chalcedony is one of the oldest, most abundant, and most popular gemstones. The ancient Turkish seaport gave this gem it's name. This stone has been considered a powerful talisman and were thought to prevent drowning or drive away ghosts and bad spirits.

Chalcedony's affordability and range of colors and patterns make it a popular with gem collectors.

Chalcedony sources include Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, US, and Uruguay. It has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Moh's Scale and a good toughness rating.

Some varieties of chalcedony include agate, amethystine chalcedony, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysocolla-in-chalcedony, chrysoprase, dendritic agate, fire agate, iris agate, jasper, milky chalcedony, onyx, sard, and sardonyx.

Chalcedony's color can change when exposed to heat, but light has no effect. hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid should not come in contact. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe, but warm soapy water is best. Some alternatives include amber, hematite, jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, rose quartz, shell, tiger eye, and turquoise.

Chalcedony is said to prevent touchiness and melancholy. Worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

Gemstones - Background and Lore - Bloodstone

The Bloodstone is an opaque to semi-translucent kind of chalcedony. It is dark green flecked with red. The Greeks called it heliotrope because it flashed red when dunked into water while faced sunward. Medieval Europe considered the bloodstone to be a talisman that stirred passion, stopped bleeding, and brought healing.

Rich men in the time of King Solomon held the stone in high regard and often used it in their seal rings. It is still set in men's jewelry today. Bloodstone is popular in Christian jewelry because of its distinctive pattern resembles the blood of Christ.

Bloodstone is the alternate birthstone for March. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale, and a toughness that is said to be good. The color of the stone may change if exposed to high heat, but it is unaffected by light. It does not stand up to hydrofluoric acid.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are not recommended for this stone. It is best to use warm, soapy water.

Bloodstone is said to aid in healing, especially related to the blood. Increases courage and charitability.