Orange Jade / Carnelian
Microcrystalline Quartz var. Carnelian / Sodium Aluminum Silicate var. Jadeite · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal (for quartz) / Monoclinic (for jadeite)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate for quartz, Inosilicate for pyroxene/jadeite)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (for quartz/carnelian) or NaAlSi2O6 (for jadeite jade), with iron oxide impurities causing the orange color
Formation Process
Hydrothermal and metamorphic processes under high pressure and relatively low temperatures
About This Crystal
Small, tumbled, drilled bead specimens displaying vibrant orange to reddish-orange coloration, translucent to opaque transparency, and a waxy to vitreous luster with subtle internal cloudiness and mottling
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from honey yellow-orange to deep brownish-orange; white streak; no cleavage for chalcedony/carnelian, good cleavage in two directions for jadeite; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity around 2.60 to 3.34 depending on the exact mineral species; brittle tenacity; generally inert to weak fluorescence under UV light
Optical Properties
Singly or doubly refractive with aggregate birefringence; refractive index approximately 1.54 for quartz or 1.65-1.67 for jadeite; non-pleochroic to weakly pleochroic
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, India, Uruguay, and Guatemala; found in metamorphic rocks and alluvial gravels
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 for quartz/carnelian or 6.5 to 7 for jadeite, providing excellent toughness and high durability suitable for everyday jewelry wear
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged direct sunlight if dyed; store separately to prevent scratching softer stones
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon; value depends heavily on color saturation, translucency, and absence of artificial treatments; widely affordable as beads
Special Characteristics
Distinctive sub-translucent cloudiness and rich warm orange hues caused by finely dispersed iron oxide inclusions
Lore & History
Historically used across Asian and Mesoamerican cultures for carving talismans, symbols of nobility, and amulets of protection and luck; associated in modern crystal lore with the sacral chakra, vitality, and motivation