Carnelian gemstone: history, properties, folklore and uses

A silicon deposit of the mineral ‘Chalcedony’, the Carnelian gemstone is considered semi-precious and is recognizable by its dark red-brown color due to the presence of iron oxide within its composition. The stone is traced as a birthstone intended for the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. The stone predominates from the ‘Quartz’ family and was originally called ‘cornelian’ due to its cherry red color which was analogous to the ‘cornelian cherry’ fruit.

Geological history of the carnelian gemstone: In recent centuries, this stone was unearthed in the Bronze Age, so early that the time dates back to 1800 BC. C. The main extracts come from Australia in Garie Beach Queensland, Austria, Botswana, China and Brazil already has a reputation for famous excavations of precious stones. Even in India carnelian dredges can be found, as well as traces in Africa, Russia is found to be abundant in important deposits.

Carnelian gemstone properties:

• The chemical and physical property of ‘Carnelian’ differentiates it from another gemstone called ‘Sard’ which is also found as quartz mineral sediment, and is harder and more resistant than Carnelian.

• The stone was previously called ‘Carnelian Agate’ and is prominent in shades of dark red, dark brown and white.

• With a molar mass of around 60 g / mol, it preserves a crystalline system that falls into the category of ‘Trigonal’.

• It has an irregular, conchoid, and toothed fracture. When measured on the Mohr scale, toughness is measured around 6-7 and maintains a specific gravity of around 2.69-2.61.

• This translucent gemstone is artificially heated so that the color can be intensified for better commercial sale.

Folklore and legends of the carnelian gemstone:

• For centuries, this stone has a main meaning with respect to its historical myths and beliefs. It was the Egyptians who believed that the stone had healing properties, some of which are seen in the Leo and Virgo zodiacs.

• Therapeutic convictions speak that the stone is beneficial for blood circulation and produces a positive outlook on the individual’s life.

• It is said to stop bleeding and heal wounds. The Greeks believed that the stone prevented spirits and evil energy from affecting the wearer, while the native Asians of Tibet and India treated the stone as a lucky charm that would bring fame, fortune, and protection as their charm.

Carnelian gemstone uses: The stone is popularly used in jewelry in the form of rings, bracelets and pendants, the stone can be used in any form of jewelry and therefore has become very popular commercially among the masses. The same reason that the Carnelian stone is considered spiritual due to its relevance to medical support, as well as the high name it has for being a stone of beauty and charm, its production has increased tenfold, promoting that more countries mine this stone. One of them being Madagascar, which is another land of its deposits.