gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon dioxide (Chalcedony variety)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, red to reddish-orange color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline trigonal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, red to reddish-orange color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline trigonal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica-rich groundwater within cavities of volcanic or sedimentary rocks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, carved into intaglios, and collected as a tumbled or polished specimen.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt and Rome for signet rings and amulets due to its durability and rich color.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its translucent orange-red hue and conchoidal fracture, commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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