mineral

Tumbled orange chalcedony or quartzite

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), possibly iron-stained chalcedony; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Identified September 1, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled orange chalcedony or quartzite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Tumbled orange chalcedony or quartzite
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), possibly iron-stained chalcedony; exact identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $3–$20 for a common tumbled piece; $20–$75 for a larger, attractive natural or high-quality lapidary specimen.

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

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.