Carnelian General Gemstone Details

ˈkär-ˈnēl-yən

Stone of One Love

There is some dispute as to whether the name Carnelian is derived from a Latin word meaning “flesh”, or a Latin word meaning “cherry”….but in either case, they reference those colors that which the stone exhibits.
Ancient Egyptians carried it on and about their bodies as a source of constant renewal and vitality. It was also told that in the Egyptian Book of the Dead that Carnelian was placed in tombs as “magic armor” for life after death.

Merchants often used Carnelian to craft ‘seal rings’ for royalty and the upper classes, as it will separate easily from wax and clay.  The ancients often believed that Carnelian was good for combating a bad temper, such as anger that was thought to be the product of black magic. And Carnelian is known to offer protection from black magic. Many other ancient healers used Carnelian as a ailment for blood issues, as it was known as the “Blood of Isis”.

The chalcedony (which is the gemstone family that Carnelian comes from) comes in a variety of shades and hues, each one as beautiful as the other.