Carnelian
Name of Carnelian
Carnelian, whose name is derived from Carne/carnis, Latin for "flesh", is due to the bright color of the stone, which is red like flesh.
Another way of saying that Carnelian comes from the Latin word cornum, which means red cherry.
Color of Carnelian
Because the mineral contains Fe, the carnelian will appear brick red and unevenly distributed. Carnelian is a translucent, sometimes banded variety of natural stone. Carnelian color ranges from peach-orange white to deep reddish-brown.
Origin of Carnelian
Carnelian is found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Scotland, the United States and many other places.
History and Legends of Carnelian
Carnelian is a highly religious gemstone. In Egypt, gems were believed to have divine powers. The Egyptian goddess Isis, the gemstone of longevity in her later years, was carnelian.
In ancient Greece, carnelian was considered the stone that returned to the sun and was one of the most precious gems of its time. Today it is also often referred to as the Stone of Revival.
Ancient Romans and Greeks used carnelian to make intaglio jewelry. Deities and lucky symbols are often engraved on sparkling red gemstones.
Carnelian, recorded in the Bible, is a "fire stone" and one of the twelve gemstones used for the foundation stone of the city walls of Jerusalem.
Uses of Carnelian
Known as the "Charm of Light," Carnelian is a red crystal that embodies the energy of life force, and is a powerful ally to its users.
Wearing: Wearing carnelian in the form of jewelry is an effective way to connect with the energy of the gem throughout the day. Your carnelian bracelet, necklace or earrings can bring vibrant and fiery energy close to your heart and body so you can harness it when you need it most.
Carry: In addition to wearing gems, carrying carnelian in your purse or pocket can give you a tangible reminder that you are a creative person and that your creativity is always available. Whenever you find your inspiration limited, this stone can help you re-energize your creativity.