Aqua Chalcedony, The Calm of The Sea
March babies are really lucky, because they don’t have just one or two birthstones, but three: Aqua Chalcedony, Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Fun fact, although aquamarine is the modern March birthstone (according to the National American Association of Jewelers list, from 1912), the Bloodstone alternative (the third stone believed to be depicted in Aaron’s Breast Plate) is actually a sub-species of Chalcedony. So, we can say that Aqua Chalcedony offers the best of both worlds, colour and substance.
In March, when Spring starts to bear its head with it’s longer days and cool fresh air, delicate greens start to sprout and we get a new wave of creative energy. What better gemstone to celebrate this month than this soft, milky blue-green stone, Aqua Chalcedony. Hands down, one of the most mesmerizing coloured gemstones there is.
Aqua Chalcedony is a form of microcrystalline Quartz: compact mineral, comprised of tiny crystals, which can not be visible to the naked eye. Chalcedony occurs in many different forms, colours and patterns, although the most popular are the white, grey, or blue translucent variety of this stone.
Aqua Chalcedony Pear-Shoaped Jewellery Set
Aqua Chalcedony Earrings
Aqua Chalcedony March Birthstone Origins & History
The name Chalcedony is derived from the ancient Byzantine port city of Chalcedon, known today as Kadikoy in Turkey. Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations particularly prized Chalcedony, using the gemstone for carved seals, cameo brooches and signet rings. In ancient Afghanistan, for example, the gem was used to create all manner of items from traditional seals to knives. Also, archaeological discoveries made in Crete, at the Palace of Knossos, show Bronze Age Minoan (the first major European civilization) carvings into Chalcedony to create official seals, dating to circa 1800 BC.
Today, Chalcedony can be found in many places across the globe, the main mining sources beeing Brazil, Namibia, Madagascar, India, and some parts of the United States.
A minoan blue chalcedony tabloid seal with three swans, Photo Credit: christies.com
Aqua Chalcedony loose gemstones
Aqua Chalcedony's Properties
Despite being a gem and a family name, Chalcedony is also a sub-group within the family that covers its evenly coloured members. Popular Chalcedony Quartz gemstones include Agate, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Jasper and Onyx.
Although chalcedony is found in a huge array of colours and patterns including brown, green, grey, orange, red and white, the Aqua Chalcedony is famed for its soft colour, reminiscent of tropical turquoise waters.
With a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Moh’s scale, it is suitable for everyday jewellery, including rings; it is almost as durable as sapphire. Chalcedony is also valued for its attractive, waxy or vitreous luster when cut, and looks good in a cabochon cut, which accentuates the gem’s milky clarity.
How valuable is Aqua Chalcedony?
Chalcedony can be affordable or expensive. The price can vary from a few pounds per carat to over £100 per carat, depending on the type of Chalcedony.
Blue Chalcedony or Aqua Chalcedony is the most popular, so the more transparent the blue gemstone and the fewer inclusions, the more expensive it will be. They vary in depth of blue colour and the degree to which the blue is modified by gray or pink hues. As an overall group, aqua chalcedony varies from pale to medium tones and in degree of translucency. Some pieces have a slight adularescence that enhances their value. This phenomenon is due to light interference from layers of microscopic inclusions. The effect is like a shimmering, floating, interior light.
General high value points for all chalcedony gemstones would be strong colour saturation and high translucence. The value of varieties such as agate and carnelian is more a function of the beauty of their cutting than the material itself.
Aqua Chalcedony Dangle Earrings
The colour of Aqua Chalcedony is reminiscent of the tropical turquoise waters
March Birthstone Meaning, Symbolism and Folklore
Aqua Chalcedony used to be associated with air and water deities in ancient history, this stone is believed to be beneficial to the fifth chakra, also known as a ‘throat’ chakra. It is thought to be of help with communicating ideas, feelings and beliefs – restoring emotional balance throughout the body.
It is also known as a protector gem, aqua chalcedony consumes the negative energy that resides in one’s body, dissipating so there is no forward movement of the negativity. Chalcedony has the power to calm and align the mind, body, and spirit, allowing the energy of other chakras to be expressed actively.
Being the stone of communication, Chalcedony is believed to help stimulate the Throat chakra, allowing the wearer to communicate their ideas, beliefs and emotions from an open heart.
Aqua Chalcedony, because of it’s association with the throat chakra it is also known as the Speaker’s Stone, so some believe it can serve as a kind of good luck charm for public speakers and actors.
To become more open and more of an enthusiastic person it is suggested that you use this stone during meditation, for example, wearing it as a necklace. And, as a healing stone, many believe that aqua chalcedony encourages good sleep and relaxation.
Buying & Gifting March Birthstone Jewellery
Those born in March have two Zodiac signs, Pisces and Aries. Pisces are a water sign and Aqua Chalcedony jewellery would make a perfect birthstone gift because of it’s connection to the water elements. Also, because of it’s calming and balancing properties, this gemstone would also make a great march jewellery gift for the passionate but high tempered Aries.
March Birthstone Necklace – Aqua Chalcedony Gemstone in Sterling Silver
If you’re cheering for aqua chalcedony now, we can’t blame you! With a millennium of historical uses, a magical and alluring vibe to it and a plethora of methaphysical properties, aqua chalcedony is a gemstone for all those that seek balance & calm, not just for those born in March.
