gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon Dioxide with Iron Oxide impurities (Chalcedony variety, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, translucent reddish-orange to brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Carnelian in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, translucent reddish-orange to brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in cavities of pre-existing rocks through the deposition of silica-rich groundwater at low temperatures, often in volcanic environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, beads, and carved into intaglios or signet rings since ancient times.
Geological facts
Carnelian was prized by ancient Egyptians who associated it with the goddess Isis and used it in funerary jewelry to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive orange-to-red color and waxy luster; commonly sourced globally from Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the United States.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary