mineral
Carnelian / Chalcedony
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange-brown, reddish-translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Conchoidal fracture
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Orange-brown, reddish-translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange-brown, reddish-translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Conchoidal fracture
Formation & geological history
Formed by the precipitation of silica from low-temperature water solutions filling cavities and fissures in volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in lapidary arts, jewelry (beads, cabochons, carvings), and as decorative polished tumbling stones.
Geological facts
Carnelian has been used for ornamental purposes for over 4,500 years; ancient Romans used carnelian signet rings to seal official documents because wax does not stick to it.
Field identification & locations
Look for a translucent, waxy to glass-like orange, reddish, or brownish pebble with smooth pitted or water-worn surface along riverbeds, gravel deposits, and beaches.
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous