Rock Identifier
Polished blue chalcedony or glass-like quartz specimen (Chalcedony (microcrystalline SiO₂), possibly treated or synthetic; exact identification requires testing) — gemstone
gemstone

Polished blue chalcedony or glass-like quartz specimen

Chalcedony (microcrystalline SiO₂), possibly treated or synthetic; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent pale blue with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and rounded polished form; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.6. The smooth dome and strong translucency may also indicate a polished cabochon or treated material.

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Physical properties

Translucent pale blue with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and rounded polished form; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.6. The smooth dome and strong translucency may also indicate a polished cabochon or treated material.

Formation & geological history

Natural chalcedony forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, commonly in volcanic rocks, over long periods from the Precambrian to the present. Blue color can result from fine inclusions or treatments.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects; ordinary pieces have modest value.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is cryptocrystalline quartz composed of intergrown quartz and moganite. A refractometer, hardness test, magnification, and specific-gravity measurement can distinguish it from glass or resin.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, Namibia, and the United States. Check for bubbles, flow lines, or unusually low hardness, which suggest glass or plastic; natural chalcedony commonly shows cloudy internal texture.