mineral
Carnelian
Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony variety)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments and cavities of volcanic rocks through the deposition of silica-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, carved beads, and ornamental items since antiquity.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, often used for royal signet rings and amulets.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent brownish-orange color and waxy luster; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and Uruguay.
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