Carnelian gemstone

Physical properties of carnelian

Characteristics of carnelian

The gemstone carnelian (cornelian, blood agate) is a type of chalcedony stone. Carnelians include orange-red, yellow-red and reddish-pink chalcedony.

The name "carnelian" most likely comes from the Latin word "cornus", which translates as "dogwood berry". And the color of carnelians is really similar to the color of dogwood berries. According to another version, the name of the stone comes from the Latin word "carnis", which can be translated as "corporal". And this version is also justified, because the color of carnelian is similar to the color of meat (due to this similarity, carnelian has another name - “blood agate”).

In Russia, the name kanelian is used less frequently than another word - "carneol", although there is a version that this name comes from the word carnelian.

Carnelian has been known to mankind for a long time and has always been one of the most valuable gemstones, only slightly inferior to emeralds and diamonds. Carnelians are mentioned in ancient sacred texts, such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Indian Ayurveda, the Bible. Carnelian was highly valued by the ancient Greeks, Chinese and Mongols. According to Eastern legend, even the prophet Mohammed wore a ring with carnelian. Carnelian was also valued in Ancient Rus'.

Carnelian is a beautiful and hard stone and therefore has been valued by jewelers since ancient times - rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, pendants and other jewelry with carnelian were made from carnelian. Carnelian was also used to create seals, cameos, intaglios, and carved figurines. Even carnelians were valued by many peoples as talismans and amulets.

Now carnelian is considered an inexpensive ornamental stone and is inexpensive, but the beauty of this gemstone has not gone away and people still actively buy and wear carnelian jewelry. True, one should be more careful, since there are also artificial carnelian, usually made from nondescript gray chalcedony.

The best carnelians are found in the Gobi, Arabia, Brazil and India. There are also carnelians in Russia, Bulgaria, the USA and other places.