Carnelian stone is a Micro-crystalline Quartz. Being a variety of Chalcedony, it’s formed when two Silica minerals inter-grow with different crystal structures (Quartz and Moganite). It can be a vivid range of pale yellows to fire oranges to rusty browns and has a dull, waxy luster. The translucent reddish hues in the stone are iron oxide deposits. Carnelian is most commonly found in India, Brazil, Siberia and Germany.
Some thought that Carnelian was named after the red-orange Kornel cherry. In the Middle Ages, Cornelian Cherries made their way into European monasteries, and were widely grown as adornments by the 18th century. Carnelian’s name comes from "carnis," the Latin term for “flesh.” It has many nicknames including “Artist’s Stone,” “Sunset Stone” and “Singer’s Stone.” From Yemen to the Nubia Desert, Carnelian’s legacy spread worldwide and has been beloved by kings and royalty since early civilization. In ancient mythology, it represented Horus (the sun god) and his mother, Isis (the fertility goddess). In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to help the dead on their journey to the afterlife. The Pharaoh's architects also used Carnelian to indicate their rank and status. Meanwhile, it served as protective talismans against earthquakes and other natural disasters in ancient Greece, Persia, and Babylonia. Some Carnelian artifacts from the island of Crete date back to the Bronze Age (1800 BC). The 12 ancient Israeli tribes were said to have used Carnelian to cover the breastplate armor of Aaron (Moses’s elder brother).The Romans believed it to be a stone of courage, confidence and strength. In the Middle Ages, alchemists used it to boil stones which assisted in the release of energy from other Chalcedony stones. Even the prophet Muhammad would wear a Carnelian ring in order to seal important documents.
It is the Zodiac birthstone for Virgo.
Carnelian is stabilizing, restoring vitality and motivation while stimulating creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success. Carnelian is useful for overcoming abuse of any kind. It helps in trusting yourself and your perceptions. Adornments of Carnelian have been worn supposedly to ward off insanity and depression. It helps fight insomnia and feelings of inadequacy while increasing physical energy. It was used as a talisman to protect against fire and misfortune. Carnelian is linked to the solar plexus chakra and when blocked can cause digestive problems, as well as lack of confidence.
Clean Carnelian with warm soapy water and a soft brush; be sure to rinse it well after washing it. Do not steam clean or boil it. It is usually safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Protect it from anything that would cause sharp blows, extreme temperature changes or harsh chemicals.
Some thought that Carnelian was named after the red-orange Kornel cherry. In the Middle Ages, Cornelian Cherries made their way into European monasteries, and were widely grown as adornments by the 18th century. Carnelian’s name comes from "carnis," the Latin term for “flesh.” It has many nicknames including “Artist’s Stone,” “Sunset Stone” and “Singer’s Stone.” From Yemen to the Nubia Desert, Carnelian’s legacy spread worldwide and has been beloved by kings and royalty since early civilization. In ancient mythology, it represented Horus (the sun god) and his mother, Isis (the fertility goddess). In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to help the dead on their journey to the afterlife. The Pharaoh's architects also used Carnelian to indicate their rank and status. Meanwhile, it served as protective talismans against earthquakes and other natural disasters in ancient Greece, Persia, and Babylonia. Some Carnelian artifacts from the island of Crete date back to the Bronze Age (1800 BC). The 12 ancient Israeli tribes were said to have used Carnelian to cover the breastplate armor of Aaron (Moses’s elder brother).The Romans believed it to be a stone of courage, confidence and strength. In the Middle Ages, alchemists used it to boil stones which assisted in the release of energy from other Chalcedony stones. Even the prophet Muhammad would wear a Carnelian ring in order to seal important documents.
It is the Zodiac birthstone for Virgo.
Carnelian is stabilizing, restoring vitality and motivation while stimulating creativity. It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success. Carnelian is useful for overcoming abuse of any kind. It helps in trusting yourself and your perceptions. Adornments of Carnelian have been worn supposedly to ward off insanity and depression. It helps fight insomnia and feelings of inadequacy while increasing physical energy. It was used as a talisman to protect against fire and misfortune. Carnelian is linked to the solar plexus chakra and when blocked can cause digestive problems, as well as lack of confidence.
Clean Carnelian with warm soapy water and a soft brush; be sure to rinse it well after washing it. Do not steam clean or boil it. It is usually safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Protect it from anything that would cause sharp blows, extreme temperature changes or harsh chemicals.