mineral

Carnelian Agate

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Chalcedony with Iron Oxide impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent orange to reddish-brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline/Trigonal; Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture

Hardness: 6
Color: Translucent orange to reddish-brown
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent orange to reddish-brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline/Trigonal; Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture

Formation & geological history

Forms at low temperatures through the deposition of silica from groundwater inside cavities of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Color comes from iron oxide impurities.

Uses & applications

Used widely in jewelry (beads, cabochons, carved intaglios), decorative carvings, and as a popular lapidary material for gemstone collectors.

Geological facts

Carnelian has been used for jewelry and seal rings for over 4,500 years, dating back to ancient Sumerian, Egyptian, and Roman civilizations.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its warm orange-red color, translucent quality, and waxy surface luster. Common in alluvial gravel deposits, basaltic regions, and desert pavements.