Carnelian
| Also known as | Chalcedony (Chalcedony family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Orange, Red |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7.0 |
| Lustre | Waxy to resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal (quartz), monoclinic (moganite) |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | Absent |
| Fracture | Uneven, splintery, conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | SiO 2 (silicon dioxide) |
| Specific gravity | 2.58–2.64 |
What is Carnelian?
Carnelian is a brownish-red mineral commonly used as a semiprecious stone. Similar to carnelian is sard, which is generally harder and darker; the difference is not rigidly defined, and the two names are often used interchangeably. Both carnelian and sard are varieties of the silica mineral chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. Significant localities include Yanacodo, Peru and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. It has been found in Indonesia, Brazil, India, Iran, Russia (Siberia), and Germany.
How to identify Carnelian
- Lustre: Waxy to resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.5–7.0 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal (quartz), monoclinic (moganite) crystal system.
Carnelian value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a polished / carved Carnelian typically sells for $6–$36. After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $8 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BANDED CARNELIAN Tumbled Stone 3.3cm 21g Healing Crystals Striped Energy Booster | 21 g | $8 | 2026-06-21 |
| Vtg. Sterling 925 Art Deco Carved Carnelian Marcasite Ring Size 5 3/4” 12.3 Gr. | — | $36 | 2026-06-21 |
| 264G Natural red carnelian druzy agate heart crystal mineral healing | 264 g | $9 | 2026-06-21 |
| Red Carnelian Sphere | 35mm Polished "Stone of Motivation" Crystal Ball | — | $16 | 2026-06-21 |
| Vintage Carnelian-Color Glass Cabochon Ring | — | $4 | 2026-06-21 |
| 213G Natural red carnelian druzy agate heart crystal mineral healing | 213 g | $6 | 2026-06-21 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
