Read all about Carnelian and different kinds of rocks and minerals here at the Stone Goddess.

Carnelian is a form of Chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz that forms near the earth's surface under relatively low heat and pressure. Other members of the Chalcedony group are agates, onyx, bloodstone, jaspers, chrysoprase and the blue-grey Chalcedony. Carnelian's rich warm hues of deep pink to red-brown and orange-red or honey yellow are caused by iron oxides in the stone. It is translucent to opaque, and has a waxy or dull luster. The name Carnelian, or Cornelian, may come from the Kornel Cherry, which has similar color. It could also come from "carne", the Latin for flesh, as it has been associated with passion, earthiness and sexuality for centuries. Carnelian has also been called Canary Stone, Mecca Stone or Pigeon Blood Agate.

Ancient Egyptians found the red stone symbolic of the sun's disk and the Sun God Ra, or the blood of the Goddess Isis. Amulets of Carnelian would be inscribed with various passages from their Book of the Dead, depending on which deity was mentioned.

Scarabs were sometimes carved of Carnelian. It could also symbolize the Ab or sacred heart-soul in a mummy's body and, endowed with the power of Isis, could assist in resurrection in the after-life. These funerary amulets could protect the wearer in the underworld and ensure the favors of Osiris. In Pre-Dynastic Egypt drilled Carnelian beads were used, and in later times the stone was often combined with Lapis, Quartz and Gold in necklaces and pectorals.

Moslems believed Carnelian could fulfill all desires, and a stone placed with the deceased could bring the spirit to paradise. Mohammed was said to wear a carnelian ring as a charm for the after-life. In Middle Eastern countries, the stone was thought to protect against the evil eye. Carnelian has been used as carved cameos for centuries. Cameo comes from Arabic "khamea", meaning amulet! Carnelian or Sardius was mentioned in Exodus as one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of the High Priest, and as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.

Idar-Oberstein. A community of skilled stone cutters in Germany's Rhineland produced millions of Carnelian beads from the 1830's until the 1970's. This replaced the bead trade that had come from Canbay, India for centuries. Carnelian was associated with the blood of martyrs during medieval times. It has long been considered a protective stone, and a sturdy ornament. This red stone has been associated with the planets Mars and Jupiter and the element Fire.

It is still popular in jewelry and its rich colors and warm glow make lovely cabochons that are loved by many. Much modern Carnelian is mined in Campa de Maia, on South America's coast and some is from Australia, but Ratnapura in India produces the best quality stone.

Metaphysical Properties: Carnelian is a stone of passion, motivation and courage. It helps one "stand firm" and manifests one's life purpose. It inspires creativity and action on one's dreams and vision, and aids success in business and life choices. It is grounding or "earthling" stone, which can help, transmute negative energies. It helps one-focus and calms emotions of anger, envy and hostility. It may ease survival fears and ground one in present reality. It stimulates the metabolism, aids childbirth and menstrual problems and directs Kundalini.

Chakras: Root, Spleen, Solar Plexus, Heart.