Carnelian
Global Mining Sites
Deposits have been found in the USA, South Africa, Brazil, Uruguay, Botswana, Madagascar, Slovakia, and the UK, but much of the best Carnelian stone comes from India.
History
Carnelian’s name comes from two Latin words: carnel meaning “flesh,” and even further back, cornel meaning “berry.”
Ancient Egyptians frequently used carnelian for amulets representing the heart, which was considered the seat of life. Gladiotors and warriors are said to have used the stone to increase courage. Whether in the auditorium or on the battlefield. They would hang the crystal around their necks and have it rest upon their chests.
In ancient times, Carnelian was used to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife. Amulets of this crystal have also been found in Iron Age graves in Japan.
Appearance
Carnelian is a type of Chalcedony which is a mineral in the Quartz family. It ranges in colour from a pale orange to a deep red-orange, and sometimes has multiple streaks and spots of dark red. The red colouring in Carnelian is due to the presence of iron-oxide.