mineral

Tumbled chalcedony or quartz pebble

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely orange chalcedony/carnelian

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small rounded, translucent cream-orange specimen with waxy to vitreous luster and no visible cleavage; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with specific gravity about 2.6. The cloudy color may result from iron-oxide inclusions or weathering.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater deposited microcrystalline quartz in a cavity or fracture, later released and naturally rounded by transport; its precise geological age and source cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative stone, lapidary material, beads, and inexpensive cabochons; this small rough piece has minimal commercial value.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is quartz made of extremely small interlocking crystals; orange-red varieties are commonly called carnelian, though the boundary between names is informal.

Field identification & locations

Common in volcanic cavities, sedimentary nodules, and stream gravels worldwide, especially Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, and the western United States. A glassy translucent appearance, scratch resistance, and lack of cleavage support quartz identification; a hardness or specific-gravity test would confirm it.