Agate, carnelian, and chalcedony stand as mesmerizing gems that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Each stone has its unique characteristics, cultural significance, and benefits.
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Agate (玛瑙 - Mǎnǎo):
- Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which is itself a form of quartz.
- It is characterized by its fine-grained texture and often exhibits bands, stripes, or swirling patterns, making each piece unique.
- Agate is found in various colors, including shades of white, gray, blue, green, pink, and brown.
- Today, agate is still highly prized for its beauty and is commonly used in beads, cabochons, and other decorative items.
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Carnelian (红玛瑙 - Hóng mǎnǎo):
- Carnelian is a reddish-orange to orange variety of chalcedony, with its color ranging from pale orange to deep red.
- It is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewelry, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago.
- In addition to its use in jewelry, carnelian has been used historically for seals, cameos, and intaglios due to its relative hardness.
- Today, carnelian remains popular in jewelry design and is also believed by some to have healing properties, promoting courage, vitality, and creativity.
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Chalcedony (玉髓 - Yùsuǐ):
- Chalcedony is a microcrystalline form of quartz, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite.
- It has a waxy luster and can be translucent to opaque, with colors ranging from white and gray to blue, green, pink, and brown.
- Chalcedony encompasses a wide range of varieties, including agate, carnelian, onyx, jasper, and others.
- The term "chalcedony" is believed to originate from the ancient Greek city of Chalcedon, now part of modern-day Istanbul, where the stone was first identified.
- In Chinese culture, chalcedony has been treasured for centuries and is often associated with healing and protection, with various folklore attributing it with magical properties.
Whether you're drawn to the captivating allure of agate, the fiery passion of carnelian, or the tranquil beauty of chalcedony, our curated collection has something to complement every style and occasion.