What's That Rock?Carnelian
Orange to red-brown chalcedony colored by iron oxide. It is translucent and glows when held to light.
How to identify Carnelian
- Translucent orange to red with an even glow
- Smooth curved fracture
- Scratches glass
Often confused with
Real or fake?
- Many carnelians are heat-treated to deepen the color, which is common and stable
Is Carnelian valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Tumbled stone$1–4each
Rough$6–25per pound
Cut gemstone$1–6per carat
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Color: deep, even orange-red glow is top grade; pale or brown stone is cheaper
- Translucency: a clear, glowing stone costs more than a dull one
- Treatment: most carnelian is heated or dyed to deepen the color, which is common
- Cut and size: large clean cabochons and carved pieces cost more
Uses
- Beads, cabochons, carved seals
Care
Safe to wash.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026