gemstone
Carnelian
SiO2 (Chalcedony variety)
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 crystal structure with conchoidal cleavage.
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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 crystal structure with conchoidal cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments and groundwater cavities within volcanic or sedimentary rocks, often incorporating iron oxide impurities.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, beads, and carved into intaglios and seals since ancient times.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt as a stone of rebirth and was placed in tombs to protect the dead in the afterlife.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent orange hue, waxy luster, and lack of visible crystal faces; commonly found in Brazil, India, and Madagascar.
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