gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony variety), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, red to orange-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline crystal structure with no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, red to orange-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline crystal structure with no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments or as deposits in silica-rich groundwater within volcanic cavities, often spanning millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, beads, talismans, and ornamental carvings due to its vibrant color and durability.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized by ancient Egyptians, who wore it as an amulet for protection in the afterlife and associated it with the goddess Isis.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive reddish-orange translucency and conchoidal fracture; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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