noun

chalcedony

kal-SED-uh-nee

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Chalcedony (noun) means a fine-grained form of quartz that is almost transparent or has a milky sheen and breaks with a smooth, curved fracture. Example: “The pendant was carved from a piece of blue chalcedony.”

noun

A fine-grained form of quartz that is almost transparent or has a milky sheen and breaks with a smooth, curved fracture.

"The pendant was carved from a piece of blue chalcedony."

"Collectors prize chalcedony for its soft, waxy lustre."

"She found a vein of chalcedony running through the rock face."

How to use chalcedony

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChalcedony is a smooth, often milky or blue-tinted type of quartz used in jewellery.

When to use it

Chalcedony is a technical mineralogical term also used generally for the gemstone in jewellery contexts.

Memory tip

Say it as four syllables, kal-SED-uh-nee, with the stress on the second syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

blue chalcedony a piece of chalcedony polished chalcedony chalcedony beads a chalcedony ring

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pendant was carved from a piece of blue _____.

Etymology

The word was borrowed from Latin chalcēdōnius, which came from Ancient Greek khalkēdónios, itself derived from khalkēdṓn. The Greek term is thought to be related to an Arabic word for the stone.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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chalcedonite

Rhymes for chalcedony

Sony Tony pony bony ebony agony phony irony peony loony Stony Saxony

See all rhymes for chalcedony →

Frequently asked questions

What is chalcedony made of?

Chalcedony is a fine-grained variety of quartz, which is why it looks almost transparent or has a milky, translucent quality.

How can you tell chalcedony from other quartz?

Chalcedony typically breaks with a smooth, curved fracture rather than along flat crystal faces.

Is chalcedony a precious stone?

It is usually classed as a semi-precious gemstone, valued for jewellery and carving rather than as a rare precious stone.

What is the meaning of chalcedony?

"chalcedony" (noun) means a fine-grained form of quartz that is almost transparent or has a milky sheen and breaks with a smooth, curved fracture.