mineral

Tumbled amber-colored chalcedony

Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂), possibly yellow jasper or resinous amber-colored agate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; mustard-yellow to honey-brown, translucent in places, with a waxy to dull luster and no visible cleavage. The triangular form appears shaped or naturally water-worn, with fine microcrystalline quartz texture; image alone cannot exclude dyed material or amber.

Identified September 14, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled amber-colored chalcedony
Scientific name: Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂), possibly yellow jasper or resinous amber-colored agate
Category: mineral
Identified: September 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small common polished specimen; $30–$100+ if unusually translucent, patterned, or confirmed as quality agate.

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

Chalcedony forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures in volcanic or sedimentary rocks, commonly during the Cenozoic or older hydrothermal episodes. If true amber, it is fossilized tree resin and is much softer (2–2.5 Mohs), but the specimen’s granular appearance favors chalcedony/jasper.

Uses & applications

Used as lapidary material for cabochons, carvings, beads, ornaments, and decorative stone; industrial-grade chalcedony is a minor silica source.

Geological facts

The key distinction from amber is hardness: chalcedony resists scratching by steel, whereas amber scratches easily and may electrostatically attract paper after rubbing.

Field identification & locations

Common in volcanic cavities, silica-rich gravels, and locations such as Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, India, and the western United States. Test cautiously with a steel point and observe translucency; avoid destructive tests on a collectible.