Mineral
Carnelian Agate / Iron-Stained Quartz
SiO2
Hardness 6.5-7, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline or heavily weathered macrocrystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6.5-7, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline or heavily weathered macrocrystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through silica deposition in rock cavities or weathering processes. The orange color is due to iron oxide impurities.
Uses & applications
Commonly tumbled to make polished stones for crafts, jewelry making, and lapidary hobbies.
Geological facts
Carnelian has been used in jewelry and seals since antiquity, particularly by ancient Romans and Egyptians.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), waxy luster when polished or wet, and orange/reddish brown color. Often found as river rocks or in gravel beds.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic