Touchonite (Carnelian)

Item Description

Here we have a wonderful "Touchonite" Carnelian gem from one of the most well known localities for the material on the east coast of the United States. Carnelian is classified as a variety of Chalcedony, which is actually a variety of Quartz. So this is a subvariety of cryptocrystalline Quartz. Touchonite was named for Leon Touchon, tavern and convenience store owner in Warren Township, New Jersey. Carnelian is beloved for its rich red and orange hues, and typically is not found in facet grade material. This stone like most of the Touchonites has more of a deep blue hue (nearly opaque) with golden areas that glow when the piece is backlit. These are rare in my experience, and worth picking up if you collect North American gems. The gem has a "Pear Cabochon" cut, and is a wonderful representation of this material.