A type of chalcedony that has been used thousands of years before the birth of Christ, this semi-precious gem has been cherished and loved through the ages, and been used extensively in the jewellery industry.
Being the favourite stone of the Islamic profit Mohammed, it is not unusual to find these stones engraved with Arabic characters or even verses from the Koran. In the western world its main uses were family seals, signet rings, cameos and even scarabs.
Carnelian was believed to calm the temper and still the blood. It is used to stimulate analytical capabilities and precision, and can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, gall and kidney stones, pollen allergies and colds.
Carnelian is the ancient stone of the zodiac sign, Virgo.
The red colour of this gem is due to the presence of iron oxide, and in India they are left to bake in the sun to transform brown stones to red. Most carnelians nowadays originate from Brazil or Uruguay, and have been stained to enhance their colour.
The most interesting thing about Carnelian is most definitely its history.
In Egyptian culture, Isis uses a carnelian amulet named “Thet” to grant protection to those passing through the afterlife, and it is one of the three most powerful gems (with Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli). In Muslim culture it is referred to as “The Mecca Stone”, and those wearing this powerful gem would be granted their every desire.
One very famous Carnelian was worn by Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and Prince Imperial. It was an octagonal shaped seal and disappeared from his body after he was killed by the Zulus in South Africa, since then the stone has never been recovered.
The name carnelian is derived from the Latin word “cornum”, which means berry or cherry. You will all be most delighted to know that it not only brings good fortune, but it is also recommended for the treatment of infertility and impotence.
–Zak
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