Carnelian (a/k/a Cornelian)

Carnelian (also known as "cornelian") is a reddish orange variety of chalcedony (quartz). The reddish color is caused by the presence of iron oxides. Oftentimes banded in colors of orange and red, the most highly prized Carnelian is the uniform deep reddish orange. In India, the best carnelian is mined and placed out in the sun to purify the red color, "bleaching" out any hints of brown. Most Carnelian on the market is from Brazil and Uraguay, colored with ferrous nitrate solution. If held to the light, one can see banding is the Carnelian that has been colored, while the naturally solid colored Carnelian has a cloudy distribution of color. The name Carnelian is derived from the Latin word "carnem", which means flesh, referring to the flesh-colored quality of the stone. The name Cornelian is thought to be derived from the Kornel type of cherry, also referring to the color. Carnelian has a long history throughout the world, and has been known by other names throughout history, including: Sadoine, Mecca Stone and Pigeon's Blood Agate. Carnelian has been found in some of the oldest known examples of jewelry. Among the ancient Egyptians, it was prized as one of the three most used stones among their jewelry along with lapis lazuli and turquoise, believing it to have great power in the afterlife. The Egyptian goddess Isis protected the dead with a Carnelian Amulet named Thet. In ancient Greece and Rome, Carnelian was used in signet rings, cameos and intaglios.

Folklore: Due to its long and varied history, Carnelian has had many metaphysical uses and characteristics ascribed to it:

• Energizes the blood.
• Often worn to prevent skin diseases and insanity.
• Beneficial for tissue regeneration, infections, and inflammations.
• Aids food intake, assimilation and circulation, and it keeps the digestive system properly filtered.
• Relieves sexual tension by redirecting the energy stored in the reproductive center of the body; it may also be used to excite sluggish sexual energy.
• Brings good luck, happiness, success, prosperity.
• Increases awareness and improves memory.
• Cleanses aura.
• Helps settle disputes.
• Bestows courage and eloquence upon the wearer, especially recommended for public speaking.
• Helps overcome anger and establish self-control.
• Gives courage and protects from envy and falling objects.
• Symbolic of the warm, vitalizing and positive energe of the earth. It is a good grounding and anchoring stone.
• The Carnelian brings impatience to the wearer, which is good if lethargy is present. It has no self-contained energy but uses that already within the person.
• Used for clear thinking. It is said to help balance creativity and mental processing.
• Linked with emotional warmth, sociability, creativity, individuality, memory, appreciation of nature, harmony, courage, happiness, self-esteem, rebirth, reincarnation and past life recall.
• Calms fears about death and rebirth, bringing serenity and acceptance of the great cycle of life.

Carnelian Jewelry for Sale

Carnelian Loose Cut Cabachons

Carnelian Gems for Sale