gemstone

Carnelian cabochon pendant

Carnelian, a translucent orange variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz), SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; orange-red body color, vitreous to waxy luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, no visible cleavage, specific gravity about 2.60–2.65. The pictured stone is polished into an oval cabochon and set as jewelry.

Identified September 19, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Carnelian cabochon pendant in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater deposits chalcedony in cavities and fractures, with iron impurities producing the orange color; deposits range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. Common sources include India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and Germany.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, seals, and ornamental jewelry; attractive saturated specimens have modest collector value.

Geological facts

Carnelian was widely used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian ornaments and signet rings. Heating can intensify its orange-red color, and it may grade into sard or agate.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its orange translucent appearance, hardness, waxy luster, and lack of cleavage; it should resist scratching by a steel knife. Natural color commonly shows subtle cloudy zoning, whereas dyed material may have unnaturally uniform color.