mineral

Chalcedony (Common Opal variant or Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to translucent waxy grey; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.6–2.64

Hardness: 6
Color: White to translucent waxy grey
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified April 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the deposition of silica-rich water in volcanic cavities, sedimentary rocks, or hydrothermal veins. It typically forms at low temperatures near the Earth's surface.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for jewelry (cabochons), carvings, healing stones in metaphysical practices, and historically for stone tools due to its sharp conchoidal edges.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, meaning its crystals are too small to be seen without a microscope. It can technically be considered a variety of quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster, lack of visible crystals, and characteristic shell-like (conchoidal) fractures. Found worldwide, commonly in Brazil, India, and the Western United States.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

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metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral