Orange Gemstones

Fall is the time of year when we all enjoy warm, earthy colors. The gorgeous leaves and the golden tones of harvest are so inspiring. I thought I'd use this inspiration to highlight several of the often lesser known semi-precious stones that can claim orange as one of their tones. Sit back and enjoy!

Carnelian

Carnelian is made up of mixture of the minerals quartz and moganite called chalcedony. It gets its rich color from iron oxide which is considered an impurity in the stone. Carnelian can range in color from a light orange to reddish brown.

This gemstone bracelet by katyanne includes a variety of stones, including carnelian.



Sunstone

Sunstone is a type of mineral called feldspar that crystallizes from magma. It comes from the USA and Norway mainly. Sunstone's orange color comes from bits of copper that are included inside. The amount of copper influences how deep the color is. Sunstone is the official gemstone of Oregon, USA.

Sunstone and pearl necklace by BigFatUselessCatDesigns



Aventurine

Aventurine is a type of quartz stone that has inclusions that make it opaque and shimmery. Aventurine comes in many colors. Green is the most common, but a peachy orange is also available. Orange aventurine most often comes from Russia, Chile or Spain.

This aventurine necklace pendant was made by PinkSunsetJewelryDesign.


Agate

Like Carnelian, Agate is also a type of chalcedony and is most often associated with volcanic rock. There is a huge variety of agate available for jewelry and in a variety of colors and banding patterns.

This red agate includes orangy shades too! Red agate and aventurine earringsby OAKCreationsJewelry


Autumn Jasper

Jasper is such a versatile and wide ranging stone. It's name actually means "spotted or speckled stone" and that is a true description! Jasper is a chalcedony that is opaque and often banded in some way.  Autumn jasper is variety that includes a mixture of sage green and orange shades speckled throughout the stone.

Autumn jasper jewelry set by DalyCraftWorks


Onyx

Onyx is another chalcedony. While black is the most well known color for onyx, it actually comes in some vibrant shades of red and orange.  Onyx is often treated or dyed to obtain the colors we see today.

Zebra onyx stones are used in these chandelier earrings by personaloasis


So, what stone catches your fancy? Are there other orange stones that you'd like to share?