Chalcedony
Stone

Chalcedony

Colour
Bluish-white
Care profile
Moderate
About the stone

Chalcedony is the «mother» of an entire family of stones — agate, carnelian, onyx, and chrysoprase are all types of chalcedony.

It is a quartz with crystals so small they’re invisible to the naked eye (cryptocrystalline).

It deposits slowly in rock cavities, which gives it a translucent, slightly waxy appearance and a smooth, pleasant-to-the-touch surface.

By tradition, its name comes from the ancient port of Chalcedon, near Byzantium.

It has been used since Antiquity for cameos, seals, and amulets, being easy to engrave with fine detail.

It has always been loved by great jewelers: René Lalique, the Art Nouveau master, paired it with enamel, opal, and moonstone in collectible pieces — valuing it for its soft, dreamy color.

The shades are delicate and pastel — light blue, gray, milky white, or pale pink.

Associated with calm, balance, and gentle communication, chalcedony has always been a soothing stone.

With a hardness of 6,5–7, it’s fairly durable and suitable for everyday wear, requiring only moderate care.

It cleans easily with a soft cloth. Its understated, refined look is beautifully showcased in 925 silver.

Chalcedony care

How to care for it.

Care profile
Moderate
Attention level
Cleaning
  • Warm water with soap or a gentle professional jewelry solution.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone is not clearly compatible (e.g., some amethysts or topazes may be affected).
  • Avoid steam cleaning unless specifically safe for that stone.
Exposure precautions
  • Remove jewelry before intense physical activities or entering chlorinated pools.
  • Avoid contact with strong chemicals (chlorine, ammonia).
  • Some stones may lose color with prolonged sun exposure; store them properly.
Storage
  • Store in soft pouches or separate compartments to prevent scratches.
  • If the metal oxidizes easily (like some silver alloys), consider anti-tarnish strips.
  • Avoid areas with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas).

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