Chalcedony is a 'family name' for a large group of rocks and crystals. Chalcedony and its cousin Jasper are both Quartz-based rocks, made up of fine layers of microscopic Quartz crystal grains. When these tiny Quartz crystals pile together in a random pattern like grains of sugar the resulting rock is a Jasper. When they are laid down with more order and form parallel lines of fibers the rock is called Chalcedony. Because of the layers of Quartz fibers Chalcedonies tend to be banded and translucent or semi-translucent. Agate, Onyx, Bloodstone and Carnelian are all members of the Chalcedony group.

All types of Chalcedony are believed to be effective for overcoming depression and despair. Chalcedony is said to help you see the promise of dawn during the dark night of sorrow and give you the strength to keep going until a new day arrives. It is a comforting stone if you are dealing with grief, loss, guilt or regret; whisper your pain to a piece of Chalcedony and then leave it in a bowl of fresh water in the moonlight to see your sorrows gently washed away.