Protect carnelian from sharp blows, extreme temperature changes and harsh chemicals.To learn more about carnelian and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann’s revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World. It is usually safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Do not steam clean and do not boil carnelian. Mineral InformationĬhalcedony, microcrystalline quartz groupĬlean carnelian stones with warm soapy water and a soft brush. In fact, in India, these stones are treated with exposure to the sun, which turns the stone’s brownish tints to purer reds. Heated carnelian has excellent stability and can be cared for normally.Ĭertain carnelian gemstones may fade in light or heat. Dyed carnelian has excellent stability but some special care may be required.Ĭarnelian gemstones can also be heated to about 2900 degrees Fahrenheit, changing chemicals such as iron oxide, inclusions and impurities to produce different intensities or colors. The stones may soak for several weeks to allow the dye to fully penetrate the stone and produce uniform surface color. Typically, carnelian gemstones, which are porous, are placed in vats of dye containing organic or vegetable dyes.Ĭhemical salts and natural pigments may also be used. The method of dyeing will vary by source, vendor and the technology. Carnelian Geological PropertiesĬarnelian is most commonly found in India, Brazil, Siberia and Germany.Most carnelian gemstones are dyed and heat-treated to achieve additional color variations. It is sometimes used as a talisman to protect against fire and misfortune.Ĭarnelian is associated with the solar plexus chakra (the yellow chakra), in which imbalances are thought to cause digestive problems, as well as lack of confidence. In the home, carnelian is believed to increase motivation towards action. In contemporary times, carnelian is thought by some to enhance self-esteem and creativity, to combat feelings of inadequacy, to increase physical energy and overcome insomnia. Carnelian Metaphysical Propertiesįrom antiquity, carnelian has been worn in cameos in the belief that it would ward off insanity and depression. In 1912, the United States adopted peridot as the August birthstone, however in 2013, Britain recognized carnelian as a secondary birthstone after ruby. In the Middle Ages, carnelian was used by alchemists when boiling stone to release the energy of other gemstones.Ĭarnelian agate is the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Virgo (August 23 – September 22), and for most cultures, from the 15th to the 20th century, carnelian was one of four birthstones for August. In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife while architects to the pharaohs wore carnelian to denote rank and status. Artifacts using carnelian date back to the Bronze Age circa 1800 BC on the island of Crete.Ĭarnelian was believed by the Romans to be a stone of courage–able to shore up confidence and strength. Carnelian HistoryĬarnelian agate is believed to be named after the red-orange Kornel cherry. The reddish tints in the translucent stone are due to one of its ingredients: iron oxide. Carnelian can be confused with jasper, which is usually considered a chalcedony.Ĭarnelian appears in a vibrant range of fire-orange reds to brown-reds and has a dull, waxy luster (as opposed to the vitreous quality of crystal quartzes such as amethyst). As a chalcedony, carnelian is formed from the intergrowth of two silica minerals with differing crystal structures: quartz and moganite. Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony and is a microcrystalline quartz.
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