gemstone

Tumbled orange chalcedony or carnelian

Chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-colored carnelian

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished/tumbled, cream-to-orange translucent pieces with waxy-to-glassy luster; quartz hardness is Mohs 6.5–7, with no visible cleavage and cryptocrystalline structure. The image is insufficient to distinguish carnelian from orange jasper or dyed material with certainty.

Identified August 30, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Tumbled orange chalcedony or carnelian in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities and fractures, later colored orange-red by iron oxides; deposits range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic in age. Common sources include Brazil, India, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive collectible specimens; larger translucent pieces may be used in jewelry.

Geological facts

Carnelian is an orange-red variety of chalcedony, while opaque orange material is commonly called orange jasper. Color may be natural or enhanced by heating or dyeing.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its smooth waxy surface, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; quartz should scratch glass. Common field localities include volcanic cavities, silica-rich veins, and alluvial gravels.