mineral
Carnelian
Chalcedony (SiO₂)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-orange to brownish-red; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; SG: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Reddish-orange to brownish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Carnelian in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-orange to brownish-red; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; SG: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in low-temperature hydrothermal environments where silica-rich fluids precipitate into cavities in volcanic rocks (geodes or veins).
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons, beads, and carved stones. Also popular as a collector's specimen and in lapidary arts.
Geological facts
In antiquity, Carnelian was believed to give courage in battle. It was widely used in ancient Rome and Egypt for signet rings and cylinder seals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its waxy luster, translucency, and warm red-orange hue. Commonly found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, and Uruguay.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral