Chalcedony Vs. Jasper
Chalcedony is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Jasper is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is also silicon dioxide.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Chalcedony and Jasper
For a quick recap of the differences chalcedony and jasper:- While both chalcedony and jasper can be opaque, chalcedony can be translucent or transparent.
- While both chalcedony and jasper can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, chalcedony can be trigonal.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Chalcedony and Jasper
The similarities of chalcedony and jasper include:- For chemical formulas, chalcedony and jasper both are SiO2.
- In terms of luster, chalcedony and jasper both can be dull, vitreous or waxy.
- Chalcedony and jasper both streak white.
- Chalcedony and jasper both are red.
- Chalcedony's rarity is similar to jasper.
- Chalcedony's hardness overlaps with jasper - chalcedony is 7 and jasper ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Chalcedony's specific gravity is similar to jasper - they both range from 2.55 to 2.91.
Summary of Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a mineral that is widely used in jewelry making, carvings, and decorative objects. It is a member of the quartz family and is composed of microscopic crystals of quartz that are arranged in a fibrous or microcrystalline structure. The mineral is typically translucent or opaque and can come in a range of colors, including white, gray, blue, brown, and red. Chalcedony is often found in association with other minerals such as agate, jasper, and onyx.Summary of Jasper
Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.Table Comparison of Chalcedony vs Jasper
Chalcedony (src) | Jasper (src) | |
---|---|---|
Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | opaque |
Chemical Formula | SiO2 | SiO2 |
Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide | silicon dioxide |
Specific Gravity | 2.55, 2.91 | 2.55, 2.91 |
Hardness | 7 | 6.5, 7 |
Streak | white | white |
Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | hexagonal |
Refractive Index | 1.54, 1.553 | 1.54, 1.553 |
Hydrous | No | No |
Colors | common: red sometimes: blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, white, orange, purple, yellow, band, multicolor |
common: red sometimes: yellow less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, band, multicolor |
Category | quartz | chalcedony |
Fracture | conchoidal | conchoidal |