Carnelian: description, photo and magical properties of the stone, which zodiac sign is suitable

Several thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians already knew the mineral carnelian. In those days, it served as material for various crafts for the tombs of the pharaohs. In addition, this precious stone was known and widely used by the Greeks, Romans, and Easterners. In Rus', carnelian was known as “carnelian”, that is, a stone that resembles the heart or pleases the heart; it was used mostly for religious purposes. Today, carnelian remains popular among jewelers and gemstone connoisseurs.

Carnelian deposits

Carnelian intergrowths are usually of volcanic and sedimentary origin. The mineral is often found in porphyritic and basaltic rocks, or together with limonites and quartz. Carnelian is mined mainly near volcanoes and off the coast of various bodies of water. Beautiful large specimens are found in countries such as India, Brazil, Uruguay and the USA. Russia, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka are also known for individual deposits.

History of carnelian

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Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony. It is colored rich red, brown or red-brown. The name of the stone is translated from Latin as “flesh” and indicates its color. Another ancient name for carnelian carnelian was used in Kievan Rus.

According to archaeological data, carnelian has been known to man since Paleolithic times, when labor items, piercing and cutting tools were made from it. The Egyptians made scarabs from this stone, and the noble inhabitants of Babylon made seals. Carnelian amulets and talismans have been popular at all times and are found during excavations in various regions of our planet.

Main characteristics

Carnelian is a gemstone. It is also called:

• Cornelian;
• blood agate;
• red carnelian;
• yellow chalcedony;
• akik;
• wackler;
• demon;
• lincurium;
• carnelian

It is a variety of carnelian. And they, in turn, come from chalcedony, which is part of the quartz group. And, from a chemical point of view, they are a crystal of silicon dioxide.

Carnelian comes from the Latin carnis, which means “meat.” And the word “carnelian” comes from cornum – dogwood berry. It is thanks to its color, which resembles the color of flesh and berries, that Carnelian stone got its name. The color spectrum of the miracle stone ranges from orange-red to fiery scarlet and chestnut tones.

Physicochemical characteristics of carnelian

In terms of its chemical composition, carnelian is a silicate, the red tint of which is associated with the presence of impurities of iron compounds.
Depending on the amount of the latter, the color palette of the mineral varies from brown to orange and yellow. The hardness of carnelian is 7 on the Mohs scale, the mineral is highly durable and even leaves scratches on glass. The density is 2.6 g/cm3. There is no cleavage, the fracture is sharp and uneven.

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Carnelian differs from quartz in its characteristic waxy luster. The mineral is opaque, sometimes translucent. Dissolves only in hydrochloric acid.

Types of carnelian

According to the color palette, several varieties of gems are distinguished:

• carnelian itself is colored blood red;

• sardonyx - stones painted in shades of brown and brown;

• lincurium - distinguished by warm yellow-orange flowers.

The magical properties of carnelian

Carnelian is a talisman for love, fidelity, happiness and mutual understanding in the family.
As a fairly strong amulet, it protects the house from negative energy, becomes a protector against treason, betrayal, quarrels, and brings harmony and prosperity to the family. Moreover, it is believed that carnelian is able to ward off even the most terrible diseases and bad events from its owner. In business, the stone promotes good luck, develops entrepreneurship and communication skills, which is also good for public people.

Interestingly, carnelian affects different sexes differently depending on its color. Light red and peach patterns are more suitable for women. For men, dark red and brown carnelians are recommended.

The extraordinary properties of the stone

Carnelian has always been considered a magical stone. He had a special influence on the relationship between a man and a woman. It was believed that this was a love amulet that could unite lovers and make their relationship strong. This mineral has always been used as a talisman for the home; it was believed that it would protect the family from discord, enemies, damage and conspiracy, and help to live in peace and mutual understanding. Many experts say that spouses should have jewelry with this mineral; it will help avoid betrayal and protect people from betrayal and envy. It also affects relationships with friends; it is believed that in order to strengthen relationships, it is necessary to give a figurine or any product made of carnelian to a loved one. Those who went on a trip also acquired carnelian amulets, believing that it would protect them from enemies, help them not get lost, and return home safe and sound.

Entrepreneurs also love this stone, as it attracts luck like a magnet and helps to make profitable deals. So, for example, for men in negotiations, you can use cufflinks with this stone. It is believed that it develops in its owner special intuition, business sense and entrepreneurship. Inner strengths open up, and a person easily finds a common language with others, he manages to speak convincingly and eloquently, which is very important in the world of business.

Carnelian is used to make jewelry

Medicinal properties of carnelian

In lithotherapy, carnelian powder and medicinal ointments, solid crystals and thin plates are used.
In Europe, mineral powder was added to wine for migraines, to normalize blood pressure, improve blood flow and prevent hearing loss. In addition, it was used to treat purulent wounds.

Various decorations with carnelian have specific effects on the human body. Thus, rings have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart. Earrings help with migraines, relieve fatigue and stress. Bracelets improve metabolism and generally normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Applications with carnelian are used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system. And simply looking at this beautiful mineral helps to calm and stabilize your emotional state.

Applications for carnelian

For many centuries and even millennia in a row, carnelian has been used in the crafts and jewelry industry.
As a very hard and durable mineral, it is excellent for making frames for mirrors, boxes, souvenir balls, and elements of wall mosaics. Processed large carnelian crystals make excellent interior decorations. In jewelry, the stone is cabochon cut into a round or oval shape, and then used in a wide variety of jewelry: rings and pendants, brooches, bracelets and earrings, beads and necklaces.

How to distinguish real carnelian from a fake

Imitations of carnelian are made from colorless or gray-colored chalcedony, which is colored using iron nitrates.
This effect is easy to distinguish even by the appearance of the stone and it is clearly visible on the fault. In addition, similar samples are obtained by slow calcination of silicas over fire. Natural carnelian can be distinguished from fakes by the so-called internal “cloudiness”, which is caused by the uneven distribution of impurities in the composition of the natural stone.

Compatibility with other stones

Carnelian is one of those minerals that is difficult to find a mate. Firstly, the gem is a reflection of two elements - Air and Fire. Secondly, it is a stone of contradictions. The nugget contains inclusions of hematite, however, when these two stones interact, a conflict zone arises - hematite and carnelian are incompatible.

In addition to hematite, carnelian does not tolerate proximity to aqueous minerals such as:

• alexandrite;
• topaz;
• emerald;
• pearl;
• opal;
• aquamarine;
• adularia

Carnelian is selective with Earth minerals. The gem can behave calmly, or maybe negatively. Therefore, be careful when combining with minerals such as:

• nephritis;
• rauchtopaz;
• morion;
• jasper;
• agate;
• malachite.

The “heart stone” will show friendliness towards its fellow two elements – spinel, charoite or amber. The minerals of the Air that appeal to solar carnelian are:

• amethyst;
• smoky quartz;
• tourmaline;
• golden beryl;
• rhinestone.

Semi-precious fire gems - Heliodor, Garnet, Pyrite - are attractive to carnelian.

Carnelian and zodiac sign

Carnelian goes well with Leo and Cancer, and becomes a faithful assistant for them.
The mineral helps Leos achieve success in career matters, enhances leadership qualities, increases efficiency and communication skills. Charms with carnelians protect Leo from suspiciousness and protect against failure. As for Cancers, carnelian helps them gain self-confidence and sociability, brings optimism and harmony, and helps fight melancholic and depressive states. Talismans with carnelian are not recommended for Scorpios, Aries and Sagittarius. Representatives of other zodiac signs can use them as needed.

Stone that brings wealth and glory

Astrologers, listing the characteristics of carnelian and its properties for each zodiac sign, define carnelian as a stone that has the gift of a talisman and amulet. He is capable of:

1. Protect your owner and his loved ones from evil and negative energy influences.
2. Clear a person’s consciousness and mind by blocking and grounding negative fields.
3. Encourage active activity.

Jewelry with a crystal will help a woman find happiness in love and family life. And a ring with an eagle inlaid on a gem will give a man his only and happy love.

Among the ancient Egyptians, carnelian was considered an attribute of the goddess Isis, to whom they prayed in the hope of receiving fame, wealth, a successful earthly life and a peaceful stay in the afterlife.

Interesting facts about carnelian

• In Ancient Egypt, carnelian was a symbol of the goddess Isis, woman and mother. And the ancient Greeks associated Eros with him. During the Middle Ages, the bright color of the mineral associated it with the martyr Bartholomew. But nevertheless, the theme of the heart and love affairs later returned to this wonderful stone, and today it is considered one of the best helpers for lovers.
• One of the Muslim legends says that the Prophet Muhammad had a carnelian ring on his right hand, which he also used as a seal.
• The most famous carnelian product is an octagonal seal with the biblical legend of Abraham embossed on it. Its owner was Napoleon III, he wore it on a watch chain and left it as an inheritance to his son. After the death of the latter, the trace of the seal was lost.

How to wear it correctly

When choosing jewelry with carnelian, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules for wearing it:

• do not wear all types of massive jewelry at once, so as not to make your image rude and vulgar;
• leave items with large stones for parties and special events, while jewelry with small inserts can be used to complement your everyday look;
• pure carnelian is most suitable for brown-eyed women with red or dark hair, lincurium - for blondes;
• to maintain energy balance, it is advisable to wear carnelian rings on all fingers except the ring finger;
• The optimal metal for setting this gem is bronze and silver.