Carnelian is a variety of Quartz or to be more specific, a reddish blood-brown or orange-brown Chalcedony which is normally translucent and has the same chemical make up as Agate. Brown coloured gemstones are known as Sard and those with bands of white are known as Sardonyx. The red colour in Carnelian comes from Hematite. Both Carnelian and Sardonyx are considered by some to be the birthstones for the month of August. The origins of its name is said to be from the Latin word 'carnis', meaning flesh which came about because of its colour.
Ancient Egyptian tombs are full of Carnelian as they believed it had great power in the afterlife. The Egyptian goddess Isis protected the dead with an amulet made from Carnelian which was named Thet. After being soaked in Ankhami flower water on a sycamore plinth (a kind of tile) it was placed on the body of the deceased, Isis would then grant them protection from harm while moving through the afterlife. Carnelian represents the Hebrew tribe of Reuben and the apostle Phillip and in Hebrew literature, it also appears as one of the gems in Aaron's breastplate. Buddhists in China and India created amulets inlaid with it as well as a variety of other gemstones, ascribing to them powers of protection and utilizing them for many rituals.
Its popularity in the Islamic world may be due to the fact that the prophet Mohammed wore a small Carnelian gemstone in a signet ring.
Although found in Brazil, Australia, Russia, Madagascar, South Africa, Uruguay and the U.S.A, the finest quality gemstones are found in India.
Being graded 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness makes it perfect for use in jewellery.
Further reading:
Carnelian
Carnelian
Our collection of Carnelian jewellery
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