gemstone
Carnelian
Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, vitreous to waxy luster, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, orange to reddish-brown color, vitreous to waxy luster, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in volcanic and sedimentary environments through the deposition of silica-rich solutions in cavities, often colored by iron oxide impurities.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, cabochons, beads, and carved into intaglios or signet rings since ancient times.
Geological facts
Carnelian was highly prized in ancient Egypt as a stone of rebirth and was used in King Tutankhamun's burial ornaments.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its waxy orange translucency and glass-like hardness; commonly sourced from India, Brazil, and the USA.
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