chalcedony: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “chalcedony” mean?
A microcrystalline variety of quartz, typically translucent and occurring in many colours and forms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A microcrystalline variety of quartz, typically translucent and occurring in many colours and forms.
A semi-precious gemstone used in jewellery and ornamentation, often banded or patterned, with specific varieties like agate, onyx, and carnelian.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally technical/literary in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specific fields (geology, jewellery, archaeology, historical texts).
Grammar
How to Use “chalcedony” in a Sentence
[made] of chalcedony[carved] from chalcedony[composed] of chalcedony[beads] of chalcedonyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chalcedony” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A. Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The chalcedony vase was a highlight of the museum's collection.
- She admired the chalcedony inlay on the antique box.
American English
- The artifact featured intricate chalcedony detailing.
- A chalcedony layer was visible in the cliff face.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the gemstone and jewellery trade to describe materials and set value.
Academic
Common in geology, archaeology, art history, and mineralogy papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing specific jewellery or rocks.
Technical
Precise term in mineralogy for a specific form of quartz with a microscopic crystal structure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chalcedony”
- Misspelling: 'calcedony', 'chalsedony'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈtʃælsɪdəni/ (with a 'ch' as in 'chair').
- Confusing it with 'calcite' (a different calcium-based mineral).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Agate is a specific, banded variety of chalcedony. All agate is chalcedony, but not all chalcedony is agate.
Yes, it is a popular semi-precious gemstone for cabochons, beads, and carvings due to its durability and wide range of colours.
It derives from the Latin 'chalcedonius', which came from the Greek place name 'Chalkēdōn'. In English, Greek 'ch' is often pronounced /k/.
It is considered a semi-precious stone. Its value depends on colour, pattern, clarity, and quality of workmanship. Rare colours like deep blue or fine banding can be quite valuable.
A microcrystalline variety of quartz, typically translucent and occurring in many colours and forms.
Chalcedony is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Chalcedony: in British English it is pronounced /kælˈsɛdəni/, and in American English it is pronounced /kælˈsɛdoʊni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is too technical for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHALICE made of STONE' could be made of CHALCEDONY. It sounds ancient and valuable.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME AS STONE ("the chalcedony layers held centuries of history"), CLARITY AS TRANSLUCENCE ("her explanation had the translucent quality of chalcedony").
Practice
Quiz
Chalcedony is best described as a type of: