mineral

Likely carnelian (red-orange chalcedony)

Chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂); carnelian is its iron-colored variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque to translucent reddish-brown, with a waxy to vitreous luster and no visible crystals or cleavage; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, specific gravity about 2.6. The small, rough fragment’s identity is tentative from appearance alone.

Identified September 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich fluids deposit microcrystalline quartz in rock cavities and fractures; iron oxides impart the orange-red color. Carnelian occurs in varied geological ages, commonly in volcanic-hosted agate deposits.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental objects; chalcedony is also collected as a lapidary material.

Geological facts

Carnelian has been used for seals and jewelry since antiquity; heating can deepen or alter its color.

Field identification & locations

Look for a smooth, waxy surface, translucency at thin edges, and hardness sufficient to resist a steel knife. Common sources include India, Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar; this specimen cannot be reliably distinguished from other brown chalcedony by the image alone.