Chalcedony

$80.00

Chalcedony on basalt speckled with almost microscopic stilbite crystals. Great luster and rare stalactitic formation. This piece has some intricate and incredible stalactitic growth patterns, be sure to check the video. We recommend mounting this piece on a small acrylic base with sticky tac, as pictured. The base is 1.5” x 1.5" and included with purchase. Sometimes referred to as "Black Chalcedony".

Chalcedony is a captivating variety of quartz prized by collectors for its wide array of colors and formations. It is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of fine intergrowths of quartz and sometimes moganite, giving it a smooth, waxy luster. Sometimes the surface can form very small druzy crystal faces, such as seen here with Black Chalcedony, that have a dazzling glitter effect.

Chalcedony can exhibit various hues, including white, blue, gray, yellow, orange, and even shades of pink and green, often influenced by trace impurities. Its translucence and sometimes opaque nature, coupled with its ability to take a high polish, make it a popular choice for gemstone and jewelry enthusiasts. Collectors are drawn to its diverse forms, such as agate, jasper, carnelian, and onyx, each with distinct patterns and colors. With its rich history and aesthetic appeal, chalcedony remains a beloved and versatile addition to any mineral collection.

Chalcedony is primarily comprised of quartz, the most common mineral on earth, which is celebrated for its diverse forms, widespread availability, and captivating beauty. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), quartz crystallizes in the hexagonal system, often forming six-sided prisms terminated with pyramidal ends. This mineral is remarkably hard, ranking 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it durable and suitable for various uses. Quartz comes in an array of colors and varieties, including clear prismatic crystals, purple amethyst, smoky quartz, agates, jaspers, and much more.

Collectors are particularly drawn to quartz's ability to form large, well-defined crystals and fascinating inclusions, such as rutile needles or chlorite phantoms. Found in a multitude of geological environments, from igneous and metamorphic rocks to hydrothermal veins, notable quartz localities include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and Switzerland. The sheer variety and beauty of quartz, combined with its robust nature, make it an essential and versatile addition to any mineral enthusiast's collection.

Stilbite is a commonly collected zeolite mineral known for its distinctive crystal formations and association with quartz and other zeolites in multi-mineral specimens. Typically found in a range of colors from colorless to white, peach, or pale yellow, stilbite often forms in fan-shaped or radiating clusters that showcase its distinct luster. It commonly double terminates, forming the appearance of a bowtie. This mineral commonly occurs in volcanic rocks, where it develops in cavities and vesicles alongside other zeolites and minerals. Its unique morphology and aesthetic appeal make stilbite a popular choice among collectors.

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