Carnelian (excellent color and quality)

Item Description

Carnelian is classified as a variety of Chalcedony, which is actually a variety of Quartz. So this is a subvariety of cryptocrystalline Quartz. Carnelian is beloved for its rich red and orange hues, and typically is not found in facet grade material. This stone has a fiery orange color with a "jelly-like" appearance, not unlike Fire Opal. The stone is very good quality compared to most Carnelians that I have seen due to the bright color - there is not hint of brown in the stone - and excellent transparency/translucency. The gem has a "Round Brilliant" cut (which is rare as most of them are only faceted into cabochons!), and is a very nice facetted stone of this material. Retail price is $45 per carat.