gemstone
Carnelian
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, vibrant red-orange to brown color, vitreous to waxy luster, and microcrystalline trigonal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, vibrant red-orange to brown color, vitreous to waxy luster, and microcrystalline trigonal structure.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature underground environments through the deposition of silica from groundwater inside cavities of pre-existing rocks.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, beads, intaglios, and ornamental carvings due to its rich color and durability.
Geological facts
Ancient civilizations prized carnelian for seals and amulets, often associating it with courage and vitality in royal burials.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive translucent reddish-orange hue and conchoidal fracture, commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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