from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chalcedony \Chal*ced"o*ny\ (k[a^]l*s[e^]d"[-o]*n[y^] or
k[a^]l"s[-e]*d[-o]*n[y^]; 277), n.; pl. {Chalcedonies}
(-n[i^]z). [ L. chalcedonius, fr. Gr. CHalkhdw`n Chalcedon, a
town in Asia Minor, opposite to Byzantium: cf. calc['e]doine,
OE. calcidoine, casidoyne. Cf. {Cassidony}.] (Min.)
A cryptocrystalline, translucent variety of quartz, having
usually a whitish color, and a luster nearly like wax.
[Written also {calcedony}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: When chalcedony is variegated with with spots or
figures, or arranged in differently colored layers, it
is called {agate}; and if by reason of the thickness,
color, and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for
being carved into cameos, it is called {onyx}.
{Chrysoprase} is green chalcedony; {carnelian}, a flesh
red, and {sard}, a brownish red variety.
[1913 Webster]
from
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Chalcedony
Mentioned only in Rev. 21:19, as one of the precious stones in
the foundation of the New Jerusalem. The name of this stone is
derived from Chalcedon, where it is said to have been first
discovered. In modern mineralogy this is the name of an
agate-like quartz of a bluish colour. Pliny so names the Indian
ruby. The mineral intended in Revelation is probably the Hebrew
_nophekh_, translated "emerald" (Ex. 28:18; 39:11; Ezek. 27:16;
28:13). It is rendered "anthrax" in the LXX., and "carbunculus"
in the Vulgate. (See {CARBUNCLE}.)