gemstone

Carnelian (orange chalcedony)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony variety)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically orange-red, translucent, and waxy to vitreous, with no visible crystals or cleavage; Mohs hardness 6.5–7 and specific gravity about 2.60. The specimen appears naturally broken or roughly shaped, with subtle banding or color zoning.

Identified September 1, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures in volcanic rocks, later developing iron-oxide coloration; deposits range from ancient to Cenozoic. Common sources include India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and parts of the western United States.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, seals, and ornamental objects; durable enough for small jewelry pieces and decorative stonework.

Geological facts

Carnelian is a red-orange variety of chalcedony, colored mainly by dispersed iron oxides. Heating can intensify or redden its color, sometimes resembling treated material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its orange color, waxy luster, translucency, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by a steel blade. A definitive identification may require hardness, specific-gravity, or microscopic testing.