Chalcedony
This content was prepared by Dominic Fargnoli, Rowan University, 2021
Overview
Chalcedony is a waxy material that is a variety of quartz. Holding a high silica content, this material was a popular choice in flintknapping and in the construction of stone tools throughout the various periods in North America.
Found in many regions around the world, chalcedony is a very common material which is the cause for it to be found so widespread where stone tools were created.
Properties
High silica content leads it to being brittle which is an effective property when creating stone tools.
The most common variety of chalcedony are those that have a white appearance, with a waxy feel and dull color sheen.
This term is also used as an umbrella term, describing other varieties such as agate, jasper, and onyx.
Chalcedony in New Jersey
Sources:
"Chalcedony". 2021. Geologylearn.Blogspot.Com. http://geologylearn.blogspot.com/2016/12/chalcedony.html.
" Chalcedony: The Gemstone Chalcedony Information And Pictures ". 2021. Minerals.Net. https://www.minerals.net/gemstone/chalcedony_gemstone.aspx.
https://www.mindat.org/locentries.php?p=14024&m=960