mineral

Tumbled carnelian (orange chalcedony)

Carnelian, a microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; orange-brown, waxy to vitreous luster, translucent at thin edges, with no visible cleavage and a cryptocrystalline structure. The rounded surface and shallow cavity indicate tumbling or natural abrasion.

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, with iron oxides producing the orange-red color; deposits range from Paleozoic to younger volcanic and sedimentary settings. Common sources include India, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, seals, and ornamental objects; it is also a popular inexpensive lapidary and collecting material.

Geological facts

Carnelian is traditionally associated with vitality and has been used in jewelry since antiquity, including ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its orange-brown color, waxy translucence, quartz hardness, and lack of cleavage; a steel file should not easily scratch it. A small cavity or druzy pocket may indicate former gas-space mineralization.