Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz (SiO₂), prized for its rich red to orange hues caused by trace amounts of iron oxide. This specimen features natural banding, with alternating layers of carnelian and lighter chalcedony, formed over thousands of years as silica-rich fluids deposited in cavities within volcanic rock.
Why You’ll Love This
- Composition and Structure: Made of interlocking quartz crystals, durable and slightly translucent when held to light
- Coloration: Deep orange to reddish tones with natural banding created by varying iron oxide concentrations
- Formation: Develops in volcanic cavities through slow deposition of silica and alteration by mineral-rich groundwater
- Scientific Interest: Demonstrates mineral layering, chemical weathering, and the role of trace elements in coloring minerals
- Educational Value: Ideal for teaching, collecting, or scientific display
A visually striking specimen that highlights natural geologic processes and the beauty of mineral formation.
