Carnelian cabochon, teardrop shape, 20 × 16 × 5 mm, hand-cut in our lapidary workshop. The piece shows the characteristic orange tones of this chalcedony—from light peach to terracotta red—with subtle banding and visible translucency when backlit. Polished flat back for direct bezel setting on silver.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Carnelian (orange variety of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz) |
| Color |
Deep orange to terracotta red with subtle banding when backlit |
| Dimensions |
20 × 16 × 5 mm |
| Shape and back |
Rounded teardrop, polished flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for rings and daily wear |
| Origin |
India or South America (major commercial deposits); material acquired from a wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated. Orange color from native iron oxides in the rock |
| Piece type |
Unique piece — hand-cut |
This Specific Piece
The orange saturation is not uniform: in the central area, it tends towards a deeper terracotta red, and towards the edges, more translucent areas appear where light peach lets the light through. When held up to the light, the subtle banding characteristic of chalcedony becomes visible, especially in the thinner areas of the teardrop's perimeter. The flat back was prepared to sit cleanly on a bezel base; the teardrop silhouette allows the bezel to be built directly around the contour.
Suitable For
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Bezel setting (925 silver or other metals) — the flat back suits a clean bezel; the contrast of orange on silver or copper is one of the most sought-after color pairs in artisan jewelry
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Pendants with silver mounting — the 20 × 16 mm format is classic for a main pendant; the apex of the teardrop serves as a natural point for the chain
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Statement rings — the 6.5–7 Mohs hardness allows for daily wear; we prefer full bezel setting to protect the flanks from side impacts
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Wire wrap — an alternative for those working with wire wrapping; the rounded edges of the teardrop allow for smooth wraps without catching the wire
Carnelian in Mediterranean Lapidary Tradition
Carnelian is one of the most documented minerals in jewelry history. Egyptians used it in signet rings and funerary amulets—the Eye of Horus was frequently carved from carnelian for its sun-associated hue. In Mesopotamia and classical Rome, it was the dominant stone for cameos and intaglios. Napoleon carried a carnelian seal as a personal talisman, recovered during the Egyptian campaign. Carnelian is traditionally linked with vitality, grounding, and personal presence.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to Recognize Genuine Carnelian
Natural carnelian shows internal banding visible when tilted against the light, with lighter and darker areas within the same orange tone. Dyed agate imitations tend to have a uniform, flat color, with dark edges where the dye accumulates. Under 10× magnification, genuine carnelian presents a matte microcrystalline texture; dyed pieces show internal cracks with an irregular concentration of pigment. Translucency in thin edges and subtle banding are the two most reliable signs of untreated carnelian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dyed?
No detectable treatment. The orange color comes from naturally occurring iron oxides in the rock. This statement is based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification. Much commercial carnelian is dyed or heat-treated: the subtle banding of this piece and its translucency when backlit are consistent with untreated material.
Does the color change when backlit?
Yes. When the piece is held up to the light, the orange intensifies and the translucent bands characteristic of chalcedony appear. This effect is most visible in the thinner areas of the teardrop's perimeter.
Is it durable enough for an everyday ring?
Yes, with caution. A hardness of 6.5–7 Mohs is suitable for daily use, but we recommend a full bezel setting—which protects the entire perimeter—instead of prongs, which would leave the flanks exposed to side impacts.
Are there other pieces identical to this one?
No. Each cabochon is cut from a different fragment of rock. The exact distribution of banding, the saturation of the orange, and the transition between translucent and opaque areas are unique to this piece.
How do I care for it?
Clean with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water. Carnelian is scratch-resistant but can lighten with prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight; store in a pouch when not in use. More in the jewelry care guide.
Are the dimensions exact?
20 × 16 × 5 mm. As it is hand-cut, there may be a variation of ±0.5 mm.
More about carnelian: properties, meaning, and uses. See also: all cabochons · artisan pendants.
