Carnelian

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones

Carnelian

Carnelian is an ancient gemstone and the red/orange variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz). The use of carnelian dates back to approximately 1800 BC. It was used widely during Roman times to make engraved stones for signet or seal rings because hot wax does not stick to carnelian, thus making it an excellent stone for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence. Egyptians also used carnelian stones in amulets for the stone’s protective role against black magic or the evil eye.

Being a chalcedony gemstone, carnelian can have its classification in common with other chalcedony gemstones. For example, banded carnelian is also classified as an agate as well as a carnelian. Another example is sard, which is very similar to carnelian in color. The terms sard and carnelian are often used interchangeably, though sard is harder and more brownish than carnelian.

Carnelian is a brownish-red mineral commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone.
Sard is similar to carnelian, but is generally harder and darker. The difference is not great and the two names are often used interchangeably.
Commonly found in Indonesia, Brazil, India, Russia (Siberia), and Germany both carnelian and sard are varieties of chalcedony colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.
The use of carnelian in decorative arts dates back to approximately 1800 BC. This gemstone was recovered from Bronze Age Minoan layers at Knossos on Crete.
Because hot wax does not stick to carnelian it was used widely during Roman times to make engraved gems for signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence or other important documents.
There is a Neo-Assyrian seal made of carnelian in the Western Asiatic Seals collection of the British Museum that shows Ishtar-Gula as a star goddess. She is holding a ring of royal authority and is seated on a throne.
Ishtar-Gula with her dog facing the spade of Marduk and his red dragon was found on an 8th century BCE Carnelian seal from the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
A glassy, translucent stone, carnelian is an orange-colored variety of chalcedony, the microcrystalline form of quartz. Varying from pale pinkish-orange to a deep rusty brown color, it is most known for its brilliant orange and red-orange crystals.
Having been used as gem material since antiquity carnelian is an ancient stone that, although still used a gemstone today, its significance and value has been diminished in modern times.
Though often a solid color, carnelian may also be banded, in which case it would be jointly classified as both chalcedony varieties agate and carnelian.
Carnelian can sometimes have its classification borderline with other chalcedony gemstones such as sard. Actually the name sard can also be used interchangeably with carnelian, though it is accepted that carnelian on the redder spectrum and sard on the browner spectrum. Not commonly used as a gemstone today, sard has more historical significance over practical usage.
Cut and polished into cabochons and used as beads for necklaces and bracelets, carnelian is a minor gemstone. Cameos carved into carnelian are sometimes worn as pendants. Occasionally used as an ornamental stone, carnelian is sometimes shaped into animal carvings or ornamental objects.
Polished carnelian crystal was a favorite in ancient Egypt as a contrast to onyx and lapis lazuli used in collars and necklaces designed for royalty. Large carnelian stones were also set in gold for men and women’s rings by the ancient Romans.
With its hardness of 7, the carnelian crystal stone was carved into cameo rings that depicted personal emblems or figures of gods, popular in second century CE.
Bearing the figures of Serapis and Isis, carnelian was favored in Greek and Roman times for engraving signet rings and amulets. Other rings and amulets were engraved with zodiacal signs as birthstones of the wearer.
To obtain safe passage in the afterlife, in ancient Egypt hieroglyphic texts from the Book of the Dead were engraved on amulets made from carnelian. Early Babylonian cylinder amulets were also made from this stone.

Specs

Chemical Formula	SiO₂	Mineral Class	Chalcedony (Microcrystalline Quartz)
Color	Red, Orange
Crystal System	Hexagonal	Hardness	7
Transparency	Transparent to nearly opaque	Luster	Vitreous
Refractory Index	1.544 - 1.553	Double Refraction	0.009

Legends

The carnelian crystal is known as a warm, vibrant stone that boosts confidence and the power of true expression and is also known as an artist's stone.

Healers in the Middle-Ages believed in carnelian crystal healing properties and used it to help ease tension and stress.

Carnelian was considered important among the Hebrews and Arabs to prevent illness. The Hebrews believed it kept them from dangers of the plague, while the Arabs employed it as an agent to stop bleeding.

John Schroder declared in 1669 that carnelian powder was good to drink against all fluxes, and when carried it made cheerful minds, expelled fear, created courage and protected against all poisons.

Believed to be a stone of motivation and endurance, leadership and courage, carnelians have protected and inspired throughout history.

Carnelian is also believed to have bold energy that brings a rush of warmth and joy.

Carnelian is traditionally known to guard against falling masonry and accidents with tools. Today it is believed to guard the home from theft, fire, storm or accident.

Carnelian is also believed to lend courage to help overcome difficulties and defend a cause. In addition it is believed to promote idealism, a sense of community, and pragmatism.

Carnelian was believed to give the wearer courage in battle in ancient times and to help timid speakers become both eloquent and bold.

In ancient Egypt, carnelian was thought to be the stone of form and design worn by master architects to show their rank of builder.

Ancient warriors wore carnelian around their neck for courage and physical power to conquer their enemies.

Alchemists of the Middle-Ages used carnelian as a boiling stone believing it to activate the energy of other chalcedonies to transform their energy into useful form.

A talisman for success, carnelian is said to attract prosperity, new resources and good luck in any money-making venture.

Considered both protective and lucky, Roman carnelian rings, or seals, were engraved with deity images or fierce animals.

Chakra

Carnelian crystals represent the hot cauldron of the lower three chakras. It's associated with taking bold action with its hot and fiery spirit that stimulates the root chakra, helping circulate vital energy to your center, which contains your deepest sexual desires and powerful creative instincts.