gemstone

Tumbled orange chalcedony or carnelian

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly iron-stained chalcedony; carnelian variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, opaque-to-translucent orange-brown pieces with dull to waxy luster. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 13, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled orange chalcedony or carnelian
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly iron-stained chalcedony; carnelian variety
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$5 per small common piece; $5–$30 for attractive polished/tumbled pieces or small lots; higher-quality translucent specimens may reach $50+.

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

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, later becoming chalcedony; iron oxides produce the orange-red color. The pieces appear naturally water-rounded or deliberately tumbled/polished. Age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, carvings, cabochons, jewelry, and ornamental objects. Common material has modest value; vivid, translucent red-orange carnelian is more desirable.

Geological facts

Carnelian is an orange to reddish chalcedony, while paler brown-orange material is often marketed simply as orange chalcedony. Color may be enhanced by heating.

Field identification & locations

Likely identifiable by its very smooth surfaces, uniform orange color, quartz-like hardness, and lack of cleavage. It is plausible near 9.0°N, 38.7°E, where volcanic and weathered silica-rich rocks occur, though the exact source is uncertain. A steel file should barely scratch it; glass should generally be scratched by it.