gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon dioxide (chalcedony variety), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments and cavities of volcanic or sedimentary rocks through the deposition of silica-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, beads, and carved into signet rings and talismans since antiquity.
Geological facts
Ancient Egyptians associated carnelian with the sunset and placed it in tombs to help souls transition to the afterlife.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its translucent orange-red hue and waxy luster; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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