gemstone

Tumbled orange chalcedony (likely carnelian)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂; orange-red variety commonly called carnelian

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded pebbles with orange to reddish-brown color and waxy to dull luster. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity near 2.60–2.65.

Identified September 13, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, often in volcanic rocks, where iron impurities create the orange coloration. The pieces appear naturally water-worn or deliberately tumbled; geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and inexpensive ornamental stones; also collected as attractive lapidary material.

Geological facts

Carnelian is a translucent-to-opaque variety of chalcedony colored mainly by iron oxides. Stronger red-orange color and translucency generally increase desirability.

Field identification & locations

Likely identification requires a white streak (not orange), glass scratch test, translucency against light, and absence of bubbles or flow texture. Chalcedony/carnelian occurs widely, including East African volcanic terrains near Ethiopia, making the regional location plausible.