CHALCEDONY Chal*ced"o*ny, n.; pl. Chalcedonies. Etym: [ L. chalcedonius, fr. Gr. calcédoine, OE. calcidoine, casidoyne. Cf. Cassidony.] (Min.)
Defn: A cryptocrystalline, translucent variety of quartz, having usually a whitish color, and a luster nearly like wax. [Written also calcedony.]
Note: When chalcedony is variegated with with spots or figures, or arranged in differently colored layers, it is called agate; and if by reason of the thickness, color, and arrangement of the layers it is suitable for being carved into cameos, it is called onyx. Chrysoprase is green chalcedony; carnelian, a flesh red, and sard, a brownish red variety.
CHALCHIHUITL
Chal`chi*huitl, n. (Min.)
Defn: The Mexican name for turquoise. See Turquoise.
CHALCID FLY
Chal"cid fly`. Etym: [From Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a numerous family of hymenopterous insects (Chalcididæ.
Many are gallflies, others are parasitic on insects.
CHALCIDIAN
Chal*cid"i*an, n. Etym: [L. chalcis a lizard, Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a tropical family of snakelike lizards (Chalcidæ), having four small or rudimentary legs.
CHALCOCITE
Chal"co*cite, n. Etym: [Gr. (Min.)