Carnelian
Carnelian is the translucent red variety of the mineral Chalcedony. Chalcedony is the name for many well known varieties of micro-crystalline quartz gemstones. Carnelian ranges in colour from reddish brown to orange brown, due to the presence of varying quantities of iron oxide. The stones can be a uniform colour or can be slightly banded. Carnelian has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs' scale so is very suitable for use in jewellery.
Carnelian is found in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks in the USA, Egypt, China, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar and parts of Africa. The best deposits occur in India, where it is placed in the sun to change any brown tints to red.
The name carnelian comes from the latin ‘carnis’ meaning flesh. Cornelian is an alternative spelling, named after the colour of the ‘kornel’ cherry. The stone can also be referred to as red chalcedony and red agate.
Carnelian has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. Much carnelian jewellery has been found in Egyptian tombs. The ancient Egyptians believed that the stone would have special powers in the afterlife and that carnelian amulets would help the soul pass into the next world. Ancient Greeks and Romans called the stone ‘Sardius’ and used it for signet rings, cameos and intaglios. They believed the stone would offer protection against evil and also a continuation of hope, comfort and good luck.
Carnelian is the birthstone for July and the zodiac sign Virgo (August 22 – September 22). As a birthstone, it is thought to calm anger and banish negativity, replacing it with a zest for life.