mineral

Tumbled orange chalcedony / jasper

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, likely iron-stained chalcedony or quartz-rich jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; orange, cream, and brown mottling; waxy to dull luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and uneven fracture. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or natural abrasion.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich groundwater filled cavities or replaced volcanic/sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing the orange coloration. The specimen’s precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, lapidary pieces, and inexpensive decorative objects; tougher and more uniform material may be used as a minor aggregate or ornament stone.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is quartz made of extremely small interlocking crystals, while jasper is opaque and commonly contains impurities or iron oxides. Orange varieties are often marketed as orange jasper, carnelian, or iron-stained agate.

Field identification & locations

Look for quartz-like hardness, opaque-to-translucent orange coloration, waxy luster, and resistance to scratching by steel. Common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the western United States; a scratch test and translucency check help distinguish carnelian from jasper.