Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of chalcedony. This mineral's crystals are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Stones can exhibit solid colour or may also be banded. All banded chalcedony irrespective of colour is correctly known as agate.
The name "carnelian" comes from the Latin word "carnis" meaning "flesh" because of its colour.
In ancient Egypt it was readily available and could be easily mined. Carnelian is known to have been used for jewellery, amulets and seals.
CALCITE
