mineral
Carnelian
SiO2 (Silicon dioxide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Orange to reddish-orange, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.59-2.61
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Orange to reddish-orange, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.59-2.61
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-rich environments, often as nodules or veins in volcanic or sedimentary rocks. The orange color is due to iron oxide impurities.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, cabochons, carvings, and as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Carnelian has been used in jewelry and decorative items since antiquity, highly prized by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive orange to reddish-orange color, waxy luster, and conchoidal fracture. Often found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.
