gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon dioxide, variety of chalcedony (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline trigonal crystal 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 microcrystalline trigonal crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature aqueous environments, precipitating from silica-rich groundwater within cavities of volcanic rocks or sedimentary strata.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, beads, and carved into signet rings or talismans since ancient times.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt as a stone of life and was often placed in tombs to assist the passage into the afterlife.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its translucent orange hue and conchoidal fracture; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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