Bible Dictionary
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is a precious stone named in the foundation of the New Jerusalem. Its exact biblical identification is uncertain, though it is associated with agate-like or colored quartz.
Definition
Chalcedony is a precious stone named among the foundations of the New Jerusalem. In modern mineralogy the name denotes a translucent, often bluish or variously colored, agate-like quartz.
Biblical Usage
Chalcedony is mentioned only in the description of the precious foundations of the New Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The name is associated with Chalcedon, where the stone was said to have been found. The exact stone intended in Revelation is uncertain and has been compared with other biblical precious stones.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mentioned only in Rev. 21:19, as one of the precious stones in the foundation of the New Jerusalem. The name of this stone is derived from Chalcedon, where it is said to have been first discovered. In modern mineralogy this is the name of an agate-like quartz of a bluish colour. Pliny so names the Indian ruby. The mineral intended in Revelation is probably the Hebrew nophekh, translated “emerald” (Ex. 28:18; 39:11; Ezek. 27:16; 28:13). It is rendered “anthrax” in the LXX., and “carbunculus” in the Vulgate. (See CARBUNCLE.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
only in (Revelation 21:19) The name is applied in modern mineralogy to one of the varieties of agate. It is generally translucent and exhibits a great variety of colors. So named because it was found near the ancient Chalcedon, near Constantinople.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kal-sed'-o-ni, kal'-se-do-ni.</p><p>See STONES, PRECIOUS.</p>