Carnelian is a reddish-brown to orange gemstone used in jewelry. It is a type of chalcedony and is mined mainly in India, Brazil, and Australia. It was used in ancient Greece and Rome to make signet rings. The most commonly used cut is a cabochon. It is a tough stone but should be kept away from excessive sunlight and heat.
Carnelian is a reddish-brown to orange gemstone frequently used in jewelry such as beaded necklaces, engraved brooches, and rings. The distinctive reddish color of the stone is quite elegant, especially when the stone is used in larger settings that display the delicate color variations and striations found in individual specimens. Large carnelian beads are often strung on chunky necklaces for a statement look. Today, it is mined mainly in India, Brazil, and Australia, and was also widely used throughout the ancient world.
The name “carnelian” is derived from the Latin word for horn, which likely refers to the milky, flesh-like color some Carnelians have. In ancient Greece and Rome, carnelians were used to make signet rings, which have endured through the centuries to show archaeologists little snapshots of everyday life in the ancient world. Carnelian was also used in North Africa and India, appearing today in both areas in religious and decorative artwork.
Carnelian is a type of chalcedony, a milky quartz that comes in a wide range of colors. Carnelian gets its color from iron oxide, and another stone, sard, also has a dark brown to reddish color. Technically, the two stones have the same chemical composition, as they are both made of Si02, or silica, with small amounts of iron oxide, or Fe2O3. The difference between the two is subtle: some gemologists do not distinguish between carnelian and sard, and also jasper, a much darker form of chalcedony, with both.
The most commonly used cut for carnelians is a cabochon, which is a rounded, polished cut with no facets. Faceting does not tend to emphasize the natural beauty of carnelian, while the rounded shape of a cabochon brings out the brilliance and elegance of the stone. Some ancient brooches were made from individual carved carnelian cabochons, highlighting the variations in the stone.
Carnelian is quite a tough stone, and can be worn every day, as long as it is in a safe place. You should avoid exposing it to excessive sunlight, as the stone may redden in sunlight. Try to avoid heat and chemicals while using carnelian, and if the stone does get dirty, wash it with a mild soap and water solution and dry immediately. Keep in mind that smashing the stone against a hard surface can cause it to chip, so try to avoid using carnelian in active situations.
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