AllMineralsRock
Carnelian Vs. Jasper
Carnelian is a popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Jasper is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is also silicon dioxide.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Carnelian and Jasper
For a quick recap of the differences carnelian and jasper:- While both carnelian and jasper can be opaque, carnelian can be translucent or transparent.
- While both carnelian and jasper can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, carnelian can be trigonal.
- While both carnelian and jasper is vitreous, in terms of luster, jasper can be dull or waxy.
- While both carnelian and jasper can be commonly red, carnelian is often orange.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Carnelian and Jasper
The similarities of carnelian and jasper include:- For chemical formulas, carnelian and jasper both are SiO2.
- Carnelian and jasper both streak white.
- Carnelian's rarity is similar to jasper.
- Carnelian's hardness is similar to jasper - they both range from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Carnelian's specific gravity overlaps with jasper - carnelian ranges from 2.58 to 2.64 and jasper ranges from 2.55 to 2.91.
Summary of Carnelian
Carnelian is a mineral that belongs to the chalcedony group of minerals. It is a translucent to opaque stone that is commonly red, brown, or orange in color. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects due to its attractive appearance and durability.Summary of Jasper
Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.Table Comparison of Carnelian vs Jasper
| Carnelian (src) | Jasper (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | SiO2 | SiO2 |
| Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide | silicon dioxide |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58, 2.64 | 2.55, 2.91 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7 | 6.5, 7 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | hexagonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.535, 1.539 | 1.54, 1.553 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red, orange |
common: red sometimes: yellow less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, band, multicolor |
| Category | chalcedony | chalcedony |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.003 to 0.009 | δ = 0.009 |
| Fracture | uneven | conchoidal |