List of Orange Rocks and Minerals

Orange minerals and crystals are pretty fascinating and mother nature has given us quite a few to add to our rock and mineral collections.

If you’re new to this rock-collecting hobby then you’ll need to understand there are more gems, minerals, crystals, and specimens than you can possibly count or remember.  However, you’ll naturally fall in love with the ones that intrigue you the most.  More than likely it will be the crystal structure, the configuration of the crystals, or the vibrant color that drives your passion for the stone.

One great tool to use as a beginner rockhound is my “how to identify” series. You can search for the stone or mineral you believe you have in your possession and apply the guided activity for identifying your rock or mineral.  If you run into any issues or you narrow it down to two stones then contact me directly and I’ll help you finalize the identification.

Here’s one last resource everyone should take advantage of, your local rock and mineral show.  These are held once a year and provide a great opportunity to expose yourself to hundreds of rocks, minerals, gems, and crystals.  It’s my belief you’ll learn more about this hobby at rock shows than you can learn in a class.  Plus they’re typically free and loads of fun.

If you’re not sure how to find your local rock and mineral club then use the “explore by state” page to locate your state and club.

 

Names of Orange Minerals and Crystals

I’ve spent years digging for rocks and minerals in the lower 48 states plus attending the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  As my knowledge about rocks has accumulated, I’ve naturally come to appreciate certain gems and minerals.

Here is my favorite list of orange rocks, subject to change of course.

 

 

Spessartite Garnet

Spessartite garnet is a beautiful orange-colored gemstone and is typically found in faceted or cabochon form. If you’re looking to add Spessartite to your collection, you’ll want to be picky about the color and saturation. You’ll want to stay away from dark stones and focus on stones with vibrant color.  As you can see from the photo above your eyes are drawn to the Spessartite nodules with the most intense color.

The most valuable and rare is the intense, pure orange variety, which typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 per carat.

 

Properties:

• Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7.5
• Specific gravity: 3.6 – 4.3
• Refractive index:1.79 – 1.82

 

Uses:

• Gemstone collectors
• Master faceters
• Custom jewelry

 

 

Orange Calcite

Orange Calcite is very abundant but you rarely see it in crystal form.  More than likely you’ve seen Orange Calcite as a carving, bookend, or sphere.

Mexican raw orange calcite pieces ranging in size from 0.5-5 inches cost anywhere from $1.17 to $31.00. Remember that the price can go up if it is polished or used in jewelry.

There’s nothing wrong with the finished pieces used in home decor or rock collections but the crystal form is quite rare and more desirable.

 

Properties:

• Mohs Hardness: 3
• Specific gravity: 2.71
• Refractive index:1.49 – 1.66

 

Uses:

• Home decor
• Rock and mineral collections

 

 

Zincite

Zincite is an extraordinary orange-colored mineral made up of zinc oxide. It usually has a flat or granular appearance and is best known for its vivid red color and orange-yellow streak. It can be found in single crystals and unique crystal clusters.

The crystal specimens are sought after by collectors while the single crystals can be fashioned into wire wrap jewelry

 

Properties:

• Mohs Hardness: 4.0 – 4.5
• Specific gravity: 5.64 – 5.68
• Refractive index:2.01 – 2.03

 

Uses:

• Jewelry
• Rare gem collectors

 

 

Dravite Tourmaline

Dravite Tourmaline is known for its orange-brown color but some crystals will have a green-chrome green section at the base.  Highly sought-after crystals come from Africa and Eastern Europe

You’ll see Dravite Tourmaline in single crystal form, low-quality tumbled pieces, and high-quality specimens.  It can be formed into cabochons, and beads and the high-quality rough will be faceted by a master faceter due to it not being commercially available.

The faceted gemstone colors range from light to deep orange-brown, with some stones exhibiting a golden hue.

This gem can bring clarity to difficult situations and promote tranquility and serenity. This gemstone is said to be effective for emotional healing and to bring balance, enabling you to make decisions with objectivity and an open mind.

 

Properties:

• Mohs Hardness: 7.0 – 7.5
• Specific gravity: 3.0 – 3.12
• Refractive index:1.61 – 1.6

 

Uses:

• Faceting rough
• Specimen collectors
• Beads and ornamental pieces

 

 

Madeira Citrine

Madeira Citrine is another favorite of mine because it’s commercially available and fairly affordable.  Its deep orange hue with flashes of yellow makes it a collector’s dream.

From time to time you’ll see Madeira citrine crystal clusters but the majority of rough comes in single crystals and facet rough.

The single crystals can be quite interesting for collectors because there’s a thin orange layer at the surface of the crystal while the center or core has a vibrant yellow.  This makes it fun to roll the crystal in direct sunlight and watch the color change from deep orange to a rich yellow.

 

Properties:

• Mohs Hardness: 7.0
• Specific gravity: 2.66
• Refractive index:1.54 – 1.55

 

Uses:

• Jewelry making
• Faceting rough

 

Common and Rare Orange Rocks and Minerals

Orange rocks and crystals are an exciting and diverse group of minerals sought after by rock hounds, jewelry manufacturers, and commercial entities.   Whether you’re looking to add a unique piece of jewelry to your collection or a rare crystal to your specimen collection, orange minerals are a must-have.

Which of the orange rocks or minerals is your favorite from the list? Let me know in the comments section below!