gemstone
Carnelian
Silicon dioxide, SiO2 (chalcedony variety)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, vibrant orange-red to deep brown-red color, vitreous to waxy luster, and cryptocrystalline structure with no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, vibrant orange-red to deep brown-red color, vitreous to waxy luster, and cryptocrystalline structure with no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in silica-rich groundwater solutions depositing within cavities of volcanic or sedimentary rocks, often via low-temperature hydrothermal processes.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, carved intaglios, and spiritual or crystal healing collections.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt for amulets and funerary jewelry, often symbolizing the passage into the afterlife.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive red-orange translucency and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.
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