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]

Images of chalcedony

Images of jasper


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


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