Carnelian agate is a type of agate that is yellow to red in color and is a variety of the quartz mineral chalcedony. It gets its color from iron oxides, which can be brought out by soaking the stone in water and iron oxide-rich sediments over time. Carnelian agate is often found in nodules and forms in low-temperature deposits that fill cracks, cavities, or seams. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 and is known for its translucency and luster. Authentic carnelian agate has a smooth, waxy texture and vitreous luster, while counterfeit stones have a rough, grainy texture. Carnelian is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz known as chalcedony, or agate. It ranges in color from yellow to orange to red and reddish-brown. Most prized are warm oranges and vivid reds. It forms as low-temperature deposits that fill seams, cracks or cavities and is often found as nodules
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