gemstone

Orange tumbled stone, possibly carnelian

Carnelian: orange-red cryptocrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony variety)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, smooth, polished pebble with translucent orange-brown color and a matte-to-waxy luster. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; crystal structure is microcrystalline, with no visible cleavage and specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 21, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when silica-rich groundwater filled cavities or fractures in volcanic rock, later producing chalcedony and iron-oxide coloration. The specimen is probably naturally ancient but has been human-tumbled and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive jewelry, beads, carvings, meditation stones, and mineral collections. Common tumbled pieces generally have modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Orange coloration is commonly caused by dispersed hematite or goethite. Stronger red-orange color and translucency generally increase desirability.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and parts of the United States. Field identification includes waxy luster, smooth conchoidal fracture if broken, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and resistance to scratching by steel; definitive identification may require testing because dyed glass or resin can look similar.