Pronounced ‘kal-sed-nee', this is a general term that applies to the translucent to opaque varieties of quartz that are composed of microscopic-size crystals.

They are very affordable and durable and come in such an array of types it is highly eclectic. Among the Chalcedony quartz species there are: The angular-lined, grey and black agate, the darkly opaque orange and red spotted bloodstone, the clear variety of orange and red carnelian, green chrysoprase, the multicolored jasper, the brown sard and many others. When the term “chalcedony” is used alone, it refers to the whitish-grey or bluish-grey type of quartz in this family of gems. “Blue chalcedony” is the most priced variety of this gem. Found in Namibia , blue chalcedony has a deeply blue hue that is quite expensive per carat weight.