Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871365" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871365"><span title="photographer from the United States">Shannon Heinle</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
trigonalcommonSilicates
Carnelian
SiO2
Carnelian is a translucent to opaque, reddish-orange to yellow-orange variety of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It often exhibits a waxy luster and is commonly found as tumbled stones or polished cabochons.
Carnelian Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
noneFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.58Colors
yellow, orange, reddish-orangeTransparency
translucentType Locality
India, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, USAMineral Group
SilicatesUses
jewelry, decorative objects, carvings, collectorAssociated Minerals
agate, chalcedony, quartz, calcite, zeolitesRarity
commonGeological Context
It forms in silica-rich solutions within cavities of volcanic rocks, such as basalt, where it precipitates as microcrystalline quartz, often in banded layers. Its characteristic color is due to the presence of iron oxide impurities.
