sedimentary
Carnelian Agate
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), microcrystalline quartz variety
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, conchoidal fracture with reddish-orange color.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Carnelian Agate in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, conchoidal fracture with reddish-orange color.
Formation & geological history
Formed in cavities of volcanic and metamorphic rocks through the slow deposition of silica-rich groundwater over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in ornamental carvings, beads, cabochons for jewelry, and appreciated by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Historically prized in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome for signet rings and royal amulets.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive waxy luster, orange-to-red translucency, and conchoidal breakage pattern; found globally in gravel beds and volcanic deposits.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary