Rock Identifier
Carnelian (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2) — gemstone
gemstone

Carnelian

Silicon Dioxide, SiO2

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture with a microcrystalline structure.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture with a microcrystalline structure.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica-rich solutions in cavities of volcanic rocks and sedimentary environments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry making, carved into beads or cabochons, and prized as a decorative or ornamental stone by collectors.

Geological facts

Carnelian was highly valued in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome for use in signet rings and amulets.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its translucent orange-red hue and waxy luster; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.