mineral

Orange chalcedony / carnelian with drusy quartz

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony; iron-colored variety often called carnelian), with possible calcite or quartz matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent orange to honey-colored material with waxy-to-glassy luster and irregular fracture; apparent hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs if quartz. The silvery sparkly matrix may be druzy quartz or altered host rock. Crystal structure is trigonal quartz, though chalcedony is fibrous microcrystalline.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

Explore Orange chalcedony / carnelian with drusy quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Orange chalcedony / carnelian with drusy quartz
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony; iron-colored variety often called carnelian), with possible calcite or quartz matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: September 4, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$40 for a common rough specimen; $50–$150+ if unusually translucent, attractive, or confirmed natural and locality-documented.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely silica-rich vein or cavity fill, colored orange by iron oxides; later weathering may expose the specimen. Chalcedony commonly forms in volcanic cavities and hydrothermal veins, generally from relatively young to ancient geologic settings.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative specimens; translucent, clean carnelian can be jewelry-grade. This rough piece is mainly a collector specimen.

Geological facts

The orange color can be enhanced by heating, and agate/chalcedony varieties are often confused with glass or resin. A white streak, conchoidal fracture, and lack of obvious bubbles support quartz rather than glass.

Field identification & locations

The photograph supports orange chalcedony/carnelian, but exact identification needs testing: quartz should scratch glass and resist a steel blade; calcite matrix would fizz weakly in dilute hydrochloric acid. Near 48.1°N, 122.2°W, glacially transported quartz-rich material is plausible, though the exact source cannot be determined visually.