Power of Carnelian Gemstones

By Rev. Dr. Gabriel Silent

    What are Carnelian Gemstones? The word Carnelian comes from the Latin word carnem which means flesh. Thus, Carnelian has been known as the stone of strength and courage since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians believed Carnelian protected them against evil spirits and curses, while Romans believed it encouraged compassion, generosity and benevolence, thus protecting its wearer from envy, depression, anxiety and fear of death. Even the Bible mentioned this stone by its color; in Ezekiel 28:13 the word tarshish is translated as dark red garnet or carnelian.

What are they?

    Carnelian is a red or reddish-brown variety of chalcedony quartz. It’s found in colors ranging from pale orange to deep brown, sometimes with white bands or black spots. One variation, translucent carnelian, has become popular for jewelry making in recent years. The most widely known type comes from Brazil, but carnelian is also found in India and other parts of Africa and Europe. You can use it as decoration on necklaces and bracelets or as a gemstone for intangibles like success and protection against bad luck. Carnelian is one of many colored stones that people have historically used as amulets and talismans to protect them against curses and danger—perhaps because they appear bloodlike when rubbed gently (carnelian means little flesh). Like other precious stones, such as rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, ancient cultures associated particular properties with each color; only recently have scientists discovered that these associations are often based in truth. For example: Green gems like emeralds may hold magical power over relationships because they mirror green foliage—the embodiment of life itself.

How do they work?

    There are many different kinds of healing stones that we can use to improve and maintain our health. And while it is true that not every stone can be effective for everyone, there are certain gems that have a universal quality about them; their power to heal seems inherent, somehow, in their very nature. This is one way to look at Carnelian. Its name derives from Latin carneus meaning flesh-colored, a reference to its common coloration – shades of brownish red like human flesh or fleshy fruit (they actually get their red color from iron oxide). Thus, it is thought that this stone was named for its natural resemblance to living tissue and organs. Some also believe that since Carnelian resembles arterial blood vessels it is associated with circulation and absorption. Since it is associated with healthy skin tone, Carnelian has often been worn as jewelry by those with skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis; Wearing such gemstones may help to relieve itching caused by various types of dermatitis. Finally, in ancient times these minerals were thought to keep food fresh longer than they normally would - a useful attribute when refrigerators weren’t around! For example: In Morocco they used to put Carnelians inside pantries so they would keep meat fresh longer as well as ward off snakes!

Where can you find them?

    These vibrant stones are found in India, Brazil, Afghanistan and Africa. You can also find carnelian beads and carnelian beads wholesale online or at a jewelry store near you. When it comes to carnelian gemstones, you’ll have several options when it comes to choosing the best for your collection. In many cases, these stones will be found as cabochons, which means they are polished with flat sides and no facets (similar to an opal), but some pieces may feature different cuts that expose their beauty in different ways. The most common types of cuts include rounds, ovals and step-cuts (also known as squares). For example, while a round cut would only reveal one type of side on its surface, there is more variety with an oval cut since both ends would appear polished. A step-cut exposes multiple surfaces through its octagonal shape, creating more depth and sparkle than other cuts. There are also carnelian loose gems available if you choose not to purchase them in bulk for a specific project like making earrings or necklaces. The final decision is up to you and what you prefer aesthetically—but whatever option you choose will make for a lovely addition to any piece of jewelry from rings to bracelets!

History of Carnelian

    The name carnelian comes from Latin carnem meaning flesh, referring to its color. People have been working with carnelian for at least 5,000 years, and it was one of man’s first gemstones. Carved arrowheads, jewelry and beads date back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The famous scarab beetles that are found in tombs were carved from carnelian. Ancient people associated carnelian with blood (it looks red!) and as a result they would wear it to ward off evil spirits or get courage during battle. The material was also used for currency—proof that it is a valuable stone. Today, it is mined primarily in India and Brazil; however, there are other sources around the world including Africa, Madagascar and North America. Its color can range from a light orange-brown to an intense deep-red hue. Although there has never been an official ruling on what constitutes carnelian versus other types of orange-colored stones such as sardonyx or even carnelian zoisite (also known as heliotrope), almost all carnelians on today's market fall into one of these two categories: solid deep red or translucent brownish-red.

Is there anything else like it?

    That color! More than just a red stone, carnelian resembles jasper (which is orange and brown) or sardonyx (which is reddish orange with white streaks). All three are varieties of chalcedony. As with all gemstone pieces, it’s always best to know as much as you can about a particular piece before purchasing it. Carnelian doesn’t have any other large-scale alternatives aside from its sister stones, but does occur alongside many different kinds of stone—it just comes down to how your carnelian is treated. If it’s dyed bright red or blue (through chemical treatment), for example, that would be something you need to take into account when evaluating whether or not to purchase it.

Final thoughts on the stones

    There are many colorful gems that people choose for their personal use, such as ruby, sapphire, or diamond. But what about those colors that don’t get as much attention? Often overlooked is carnelian, a type of quartz with a reddish-orange color and a beautiful shine. It is often used in manufacturing because it can withstand high temperatures (over 500 degrees Celsius) while retaining its shape. For those looking to incorporate natural healing into their life, carnelian has a number of benefits to offer. Some people may not know exactly what they need in order to feel better or happier but with carnelian one can understand oneself better.