Metaphysical Properties of Carnelian

• Element: Fire
• Birthstone: July / Taurus, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo
• Chakras: Root (1st), Sacral (2nd), and Solar Plexus (3rd)

Sometimes referred to as the "Stone of Courage", Carnelian overcomes negativity and self-doubt, encourages creativity and action, and strengthens confidence and the vital life energy. Heralded as a protective stone, Carnelian gives courage to the wearer going off to battle. Calling forth a sense of action, Carnelian assists in manifesting one's goals into reality. This is particularly useful for those who procrastinate or feel "stuck" due to a lack of motivation and inspiration. With its warm color, Carnelian attunes itself to the lower 3 chakras. This increases vital life energy, sexual energy, creativity, metabolism, and blood circulation. Carnelian also helps in detoxifying the body by eliminating unhealthy physical habits and improving overall health.

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History of Carnelian

For over 5000 years, Carnelian has been revered by enumerable civilizations for its protective, creative, and leadership properties. Pu-Abi, the Sumerian Queen of Ur, was entombed in a robe with gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian. As a mean of veneration, Carnelian, along with Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli, was one of the most widely used gemstone in Egyptian jewelry. In fact, Egyptian amulets made of Carnelian called thets were associated with the Egyptian goddess of the dead, Isis, and were placed on the body of the deceased, which was believed to assist and protect the soul on its way to the afterlife. The name Carnelian may have owed its name from the Latin word carne, meaning flesh. Another possible derivation may be from the Latin wordcornum, referencing the color of the kornel cherry.

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Chemical Composition of Carnelian

• Hardness: 7
• Crystal System: Trigonal
• Composition: Silicon Dioxide

Carnelian is an orange-colored variety of Chalcedony, a member of the Quartz family. The intensity of Carnelian's orange, red, or brown coloration is due to the presence, or lack of, ferric oxide. Hydration will also affect Carnelian's colors--more moisture will produce a brown or yellow hue whereas less moisture will produce a brighter, redder hue. By placing Carnelian in the sun, the brown hues can be changed to reddish-orange as excess moisture is removed by natural heat. Majority of Carnelian mined today are found in India (best quality) and South America.