mineral

Orange Quartz (Carnelian / Orange Aventurine)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orange to reddish-orange. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to reddish-orange
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orange to reddish-orange. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary environments through the crystallization of silica-rich solutions carrying iron oxide impurities that give it an orange hue.

Uses & applications

Widely used for tumbled gemstones, lapidary art, jewelry, wire-wrapping, and ornamental collections.

Geological facts

Orange varieties of quartz obtain their warm coloration from microscopic inclusions of iron oxides such as hematite or goethite embedded within the silica matrix.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its color, hardness of 7 (scratches glass), and translucent to sub-translucent appearance. Common in gravel deposits, riverbeds, and quartz veins worldwide.