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Chalcedony
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Different colored varieties of Chalcedony have individual names. Many of the
varieties of Chalcedony, including Agate (see above), Carnelian (red to reddish
brown), Sard (light to dark brown), Chrysoprase (apple green), Bloodstone
(green with red spots), Jasper (generally red but sometimes yellow, brown,
green and grey blue), Flint (dull grey to black), are useful and important
as ornamental gems. |
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Because of its abundance, durability, and beauty, Chalcedony (i.e. Agate,
Flint and Jasper) was, except for sticks, animal skins, bones, plain rocks,
and possibly Obsidian, the earliest raw material used by humankind. The earliest
recorded use of Chalcedony was for projectile points, knives, tools, and containers
such as cups and bowls. |
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The Romans prized Chalcedony as seals, and in the New Testament (Revelations
21:19) Chalcedony is one of the twelve gemstones set in the foundations of
the city walls of Jerusalem. As compiled by Andreas, Bishop of Caesurae, one
of the earliest writers to tie the Apostles with the symbolism of the twelve
gems of Jerusalem, Chalcedony was for the Apostle St. Andrew. |
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The Victorians carved Chalcedony into an endless array of cameos (i.e. a gem
carved in relief) and intaglios (i.e. a design carved into or beneath the
surface of a gemstone). |
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Chalcedony was used during the Renaissance as magic amulet believed to promote
health and safety. |
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Chalcedony is one of the gemstones used in Commesso or Florentine mosaic.
Developed in Florence in the late 16th Century, Commesso is a technique of
fashioning pictures with thin, cut-to-shape pieces of brightly colored, semiprecious
gems. |
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Even today, Chalcedony remains a gemstone favored by gemstone engravers, and
many colored varieties are still cut and polished as ornamental stones. |
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The most prized Chalcedony is from India, Madagascar, Burma, Brazil, Mexico
and U.S.A. |
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