mineral
Tumbled orange chalcedony or quartzite
Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), possibly iron-stained chalcedony; exact identification requires testing
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectLikely hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, peach-orange color, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline structure, no visible cleavage, and moderate density around 2.6 g/cm³. The rounded shape and smooth surface indicate tumbling or natural water wear.
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Physical properties
Likely hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, peach-orange color, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline structure, no visible cleavage, and moderate density around 2.6 g/cm³. The rounded shape and smooth surface indicate tumbling or natural water wear.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich fluids deposited microcrystalline quartz in cavities or fractures, with iron oxides producing the orange color; alternatively it may be fine-grained quartzite. Formation age is locality-dependent, commonly Paleozoic to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used as a tumbled stone, cabochon, ornamental object, and lapidary material; generally inexpensive unless unusually vivid, translucent, or patterned.
Geological facts
Chalcedony is quartz whose crystals are too small to see unaided. Orange varieties may be marketed as orange chalcedony, carnelian, or ferruginous quartz, though “carnelian” is usually more translucent red-orange.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, Uruguay, and the western United States. Confirm with a glass-scratch test, which it should perform, and inspect for uniform dye or coating; acid testing is unnecessary.
