chalcedony

[ kal-sed-n-ee, kal-suh-doh-nee ]

noun

, plural chal·ced·o·nies.

1. a microcrystalline, translucent variety of quartz, often milky or grayish.

chalcedony

/ kælˈsɛdənɪ; ˌkælsɪˈdɒnɪk /

noun

1. a microcrystalline often greyish form of quartz with crystals arranged in parallel fibres: a gemstone. Formula: SiO 2

chalcedony

/ kăl-sĕd′n-ē /

1. A type of quartz that has a waxy luster and varies from transparent to translucent. It is usually white, pale-blue, gray, brown, or black and is often found as a lining in cavities. Agate, flint, and onyx are forms of chalcedony. Chemical formula: SiO 2 .

Derived Forms

• chalcedonic, adjective

Other Words From

• chal·ce·don·ic [kal-si-, don, -ik], chal·cedo·nous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcedony¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English calcedonie, from Late Latin chalcēdōnius (Vulgate, Revelation 21:19), equivalent to chalcēdōn- (from Greek chalkēdṓn “chalcedony,” identified by Saint Jerome with Chalcedon, the city) + -ius adjective suffix; -ious

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcedony¹

C15: from Late Latin chalcēdōnius, from Greek khalkēdōn a precious stone (Revelation 21:19), perhaps named after Khalkēdōn Chalcedon, town in Asia Minor

Example Sentences

Chalcedony, apparently from amygdaloid of the trap formation, was also found at Port Warrender.

From Project Gutenberg

Quartz crystals, with chalcedony, from nodules in amygdaloid.

From Project Gutenberg

Red, somewhat slaty jasper, mixed with quartz and chalcedony, and containing specular iron ore.

From Project Gutenberg

Hard sandstone, trap or graacke, jasper and chalcedony, appear occasionally; some almost transparent.

From Project Gutenberg

A chalcedony made the wearer lucky at law, increased the vigour of one's body, and prevented illusions of the devil.

From Project Gutenberg