gemstone

Carnelian Bead

Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony variety), SiO2

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown to orange color, vitreous to waxy luster, microcrystalline (cryptocrystalline) quartz structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 2.58 to 2.64.

Identified July 29, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica-rich solutions in cavities and gas bubbles of volcanic rocks or sedimentary environments, often shaped and drilled by ancient human craftsmanship into beads.

Uses & applications

Used historically and presently in ornamental jewelry, talismans, beads, and as a prized artifact in archaeological collections.

Geological facts

Carnelian has been prized as a gemstone for thousands of years, prominently featured in ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Mesopotamian jewelry, often associated with royalty and protection in the afterlife.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive waxy luster, translucent to opaque reddish-brown body color, and conchoidal fracture. Often recovered from archaeological sites, ancient trade routes, and alluvial gravel deposits.

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