Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a catch all term that includes many well known varieties of cryptocrystalline
quartz gemstones. They are found in all 50 States, in many colours and colour combinations,
and in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Chalcedony includes carnelian,
sard, plasma, prase, bloodstone, onyx, sardonyx, chrysoprase, thundereggs, agate,
flint, chert, jasper, petrified wood, and petrified dinosaur bone just to name a
few of the better known varieties.
Because of its abundance, durability, and beauty, chalcedony 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. Early man made weapons and
tools from many varieties of chalcedony including agate, agatized coral, flint,
jasper, and petrified wood.
The move from using certain items as weapons and tools, to using the same items
for ceremonial and personal adornment is very easily made. It was only natural for
early man to use his finest looking knife for special occasions or to attach a special
lance point or arrowhead to his tunic. In fact, agate and petrified wood may have
simply been elevated to gems from common and functional weapons or tools.
Look for items with Onyx gemstones:
Onyx typically only comes in black or white, and for our jewellery we exclusively
use black onyx. It has a deep black colour that truly catches the eye. Note that
the image included here has the same amount of light as all the other images in
these component pages, but appears deeper than most.
Look for items with Fossil gemstones:
Also a form of Chalcedony, petrified dinosaur bones, petrified wood, and other fossilized
items form a beautiful range of alternating colours.