< Editing Internet Texts < Gemstones

Carnelian

Carnelian is one of the microcrystalline varieties of quartz. The name of the mineral derives from a Latin word carneulus, meaning color of the body.

Many stones sold as carnelian are in fact dyed agates. To tell an authentic stone from an imitation, one should look examine it closely against the light; imitations have visible boundaries between the lines of color. Carnelian's color can also be intensified by exposing it to sunlight.[1]

Carnelian seal
Polished carnelian

Basic properties

CompositionSiO2
ClassOxydes
Crystal systemTrigonal
Mohs' hardness7
FractureConchoidal
CleavageNone
LustreGlassy
StreakWhite
LocalitiesBrazil, India, Uruguay

References

  1. ↑ Minerały i kamienie szlachetne by RBA Collecionables, S.A., ISBN 978-83-7813-150-2, 2012.
This article is issued from Wikiversity. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.