Origin story
Carnelian is a mineral that has been used by ancient people. Primitive tools made from this stone are found. In ancient times, many nations associated carnelian with their deities. In Ancient Egypt, it was associated with the goddess Isis - the mother of all gods, who personifies femininity and patronizes all pregnant women. The gem was also associated with the Prophet Muhammad: he had a ring with carnelian.
In the 5th century this stone was valued higher than opal or diamond. It was worn by priests, and religious attributes were made from it. He was in particular demand in the Orthodox world. In Ancient Rus', carnelian had other names - smazen or kadnos.
Carnelian has been known to people since ancient times.
Origin
Carnelian is of volcanic origin and is born in the very mouth of a volcano during its most intense activity. The beauty of this stone amazes with its bright sparkles and it seems that it carries a little sun. Thanks to its beautiful sunny hue, many believed that carnelian captured the sun itself, so it can bring good luck to almost everyone who holds it in their hands.
The name of the stone is translated into Russian as “Brought from Sardis.” There are other names that may be unknown to Russians. The Greeks believed that carnelians were nothing more than pieces of the extinct sun, which, if preserved, could bring happiness and whoever managed to find a carnelian on the seashore would become happy. However, in Russia, the name of the stone carnelian is translated as “face of the heart,” since red color was considered the best color among Russians, so they named the stone, believing that it promotes good luck in matters of the heart.
In fact, carnelians are formed in places where there are extinct volcanoes, including underwater ones. Erupting, they fall into the water and are carried away by the sea, throwing carnelians along the shores during storms and strong tides. There are a lot of carnelians in sands where land has become sea or where the sea has become land and there was once volcanic activity.
Use of stone in ancient times
In ancient Egypt, the stone was used to decorate religious objects. At the same time, it was used for medicinal purposes. The Egyptians believed that the mineral had a beneficial effect on the nerves, helped to relax and was able to stop bleeding.
In the Middle Ages in Europe, jewelry with gems was used as security amulets. It was believed that the stone protected the owner from black magic and temptations. Among the nobility it was customary to wear rings and rings with carnelian. This emphasized status and helped maintain financial stability. In Persia, only women wore such jewelry. For them, carnelian was a patron, helped preserve beauty and slowed down aging.
Physicochemical characteristics
Carnelian is an oxide of silicon, it belongs to chalcedony. The gem looks like a translucent or opaque mineral. It shines through in thin sections. The shine resembles resinous or waxy. The color is uneven, there are stripes and inclusions. Shades depend on the concentration of iron oxide.
The hardness of the gem is rated at 7 points. It lends itself well to cutting, but, despite its high characteristics, it is fragile. Carnelian jewelry requires careful handling, otherwise the stone may burst or break.
Carnelian is a hard but brittle mineral.
Color and varieties of carnelian
The color of carnelian depends on the composition of the lava erupted by the volcano. Then the gem lies for a long time under the sun's rays, or is warmed up by the internal heat of the Earth. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation can change the shade beyond recognition. Polishing gives the mineral a waxy or glossy shine. Rich, orange-red stones are most prized.
Geologists and jewelers distinguish several types of mineral:
- Carnelian, bright red carnelian, similar in color to blood. It is associated with the masculine principle. The Arabs believe that this gem was the only jewelry worn by the Prophet Muhammad. The founder of Islam called the stone the most powerful amulet against poverty and want. In Christian countries, religious objects are made from this type of chalcedony.
- Sarder is a “chestnut”, dark brown color gem. He has the most powerful energy, but also the most dangerous. Completely black specimens are extremely rare.
- Light carnelian - unlike carnelian, is considered a feminine stone. It is a bright orange or yellow mineral, sometimes with a pink tint. It is to this class that fiery red gems belong, for which jewelers give the highest price.
- Sardonyx is chalcedony, streaked with straight stripes parallel to each other. The color of the main mineral can be any; the stripes are usually white.
Mineral value
For the ancient Slavs, the name “carnelian” meant “face of the heart.” It was used not only as an Orthodox attribute, but also as a love talisman. Young girls wore jewelry to quickly find their destiny. For married women, carnelian became the keeper of the hearth. He helped maintain relationships and become partners not only lovers, but also friends: mutual understanding and deep connection arose. Men believed that the stone would protect them from accidents.
“Heart Face” is used as a love talisman.
Magic properties
Several properties are attributed to carnelian. In India, they believe that the mineral helps to achieve enlightenment, clear the mind and give up excesses. It stimulates internal development and makes a person calmer. According to another version, the color of carnelian was explained by the fact that it absorbed the warmth of the sun and earth. This made the stone a magical talisman that was capable of granting clairvoyance.
Carnelian knows how to attract love and luck. Single people can use it to find a partner.
The stone is also good for careerists: it promotes career advancement. However, the mineral does not like hasty people. It improves a person's life gradually. When worn for a long time, the gem makes the owner more reasonable and calm, it becomes easier to isolate himself from emotions and make an informed decision.
Carnelian is a good protective talisman. It protects the wearer from accidents, the effects of black magic and the intrigues of ill-wishers. If the owner lives outside the city, the presence of a talisman in the house will protect against natural disasters.
You can enhance the effect of the amulet. To do this, you need to put it on the finger of your left hand or squeeze it in your fist, then imagine how the energy from the carnelian slowly passes into every cell of the body, simultaneously enveloping it in an aura.
For a person who stole a carnelian, the talisman can become fatal. It will only bring troubles and misfortunes. This can provoke a deterioration in the situation in society or the development of diseases.
For a talisman to be useful, it must be received from another person as a gift, earned through honest labor, or purchased.
The gem will not tolerate disrespectful treatment. It needs to be looked after properly and not neglected.
Description
Considering the fact that carnelian comes in only two colors: pink and brown-red, the richest stone is still the most popular. It is painted in a thick reddish color, has characteristic stripes and streaks of light shades, as well as a matte, waxy sheen.
Main characteristics of the gem:
- hardness - 7 on the Mohs scale;
- line color - white;
- transparency - shines through only in thin plates;
- lack of cleavage;
- uneven fracture;
- The main impurity is the mineral hematite.
Most common in India, USA, Crimea. The most valuable specimens are Indian. They tend to change their shade after a long stay in a well-lit room. Thus, brown minerals can change their color and become rich red with an orange tint.
Healing properties of the stone
Carnelian is associated with blood. It normalizes its chemical composition, accelerates wound healing, improves a person’s overall well-being and increases appetite. The stone is able to calm the nervous system, thereby improving relaxation. It becomes easier for a person to fall asleep.
Mineral plates help with headaches. They are applied to the eyes and rest for a few minutes. After this, you feel better. The gem also helps with toothache. It increases the effectiveness of asthma therapy, especially in young patients.
Stones with light veins have the greatest healing power. It is believed that they can take on negative energy. There is evidence that carnelian helps fight cancer.
There is information that carnelian helps fight cancer.
Field
Carnelians are formed where there are extinct volcanoes and where there were eruptions not so long ago. Today, the main places of their production are India, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Kazakhstan. The Crimean carnelians, whose name reads like Karadag, are very interesting. They are believed to have unique healing properties. There are many different types of this stone in Buryatia, on the Amur, and in the Primorsky Territory. It is these carnelians that are delivered to the Russian and foreign markets, where they are considered very valuable.
Who is Carnelian suitable for according to their zodiac sign?
According to the zodiac horoscope, the compatibility of the stone with the signs is as follows:
- Aries . He often attracts the attention of others, which is why he finds not only friends, but also envious people. For Aries, carnelian will become a talisman that will protect him from damage or the evil eye. It can be used as a family amulet. For Aries, the stone will help maintain love and respect in the family, learn to understand the point of view of loved ones and gently convey your opinion to others.
- Calf . Dark varieties of the mineral should be preferred, because... they have more in common with the element of Earth. For the hardworking Taurus, carnelian is an excellent assistant at work and in relationships. The stone will help strengthen family ties and get career advancement.
- Twins . In the case of this sign, the gem fully reveals its purpose: it helps to find love. It will be possible not only to find a connection with the mineral, but also not to lose it. At the same time, the gem helps improve mental abilities, so it is well suited for businessmen.
- Cancer . The mineral will strengthen intuition and help drive away unnecessary thoughts. Cancers tend to engage in excessive introspection, so the gem will allow them to relax. Representatives of the sign will stop doubting and hiding their feelings, they will become more open. This will reduce the number of conflicts in the family, since Cancer will no longer have to experience all the grievances within themselves. He will be able to openly defend his opinion.
- A lion . The gem will be useful to him as a talisman. The amulet will protect Leo from envious people and ill-wishers. At the same time, the talisman will help you take a leading position and allow you to maintain your spirit. Carnelian can become a love amulet for Leo. It will attract the attention of the other half and speed up the process of rapprochement.
- Virgo _ The gem is suitable for those representatives of the zodiac sign who are dissatisfied with their lives, but do not know what to do. The stone will push for change and give the owner energy. For hardworking people, the mineral will help them recover faster, which will help them avoid stress and depression.
- Scales . The gem affects the emotional side of life. For Libra, he will become a kind of psychologist. The sight of the mineral will improve their mood. It will become easier to free yourself from emotions and make the right decisions.
- Scorpion . This is the only sign for which the mineral is not suitable. The stone will make the owner too aggressive and cynical. There will be disagreements with loved ones.
- Sagittarius . For romantic, but too straightforward representatives of the sign, the mineral will help smooth out the sharp sides of their character. The owner of the gem will become more tactful and tolerant of the mistakes of others, so it will be easier for him to find a partner.
- Capricorn . Carnelian will give the owner enough strength to complete what he started. The stone will help you not waste energy, sharpen your intuition and direct your activities in the most productive direction.
- Aquarius . The gem will support the desire for family well-being and at the same time smooth out the sharp edges of character. It will become easier for the owner of the mineral to understand others. Carnelian will protect the wearer and his partner from betrayal.
- Fish . The gem will rid the owner of complexes and provide moral support. It will become easier for Pisces to open up to other people. They will be able to cope more easily with the emotional wounds they inflict and will be able to learn more from their own mistakes.
The meaning of carnelian stone
Thanks to its red-orange color, carnelian has long been considered a stone close to the sun, absorbing solar energy, and therefore capable of giving warmth, health and happiness, and protecting the love and peace of the family. It was believed that, just as the sun's rays drive out darkness, carnelian is able to protect its owner from the evil spells of ill-wishers.
In Rus', carnelian was called the “stone of faith,” comparing the red stones with drops of the blood of holy martyrs.
Whose stone is carnelian according to horoscope and zodiac sign
Carnelian will be a wonderful talisman for people born under the signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo and Gemini, especially for creative people, helping to reveal their talents. It will also help in communicating with the opposite sex, attract success in commerce and trade, and protect against the slander and machinations of ill-wishers. For other people, the stone will have a beneficial effect on the energy aura.
The only zodiac sign that is not recommended for jewelry with carnelian is Scorpio. According to astrologers, the stone will bring unnecessary excitement and aggression into the life of Scorpio.
Medicinal properties of carnelian
Since ancient times, medicinal potions, which included powdered carnelian, have been used to relieve headaches, problems with the genitourinary and digestive systems, inflammatory skin diseases and nervous disorders. Modern research in the field of color therapy confirms the ability of red-orange stones to have a calming effect on the nervous system, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. To provide a therapeutic effect, lithotherapists suggest wearing carnelian directly on the body in the form of beads or a bracelet.
Magical properties of carnelian
Carnelian has been used as a magical remedy since ancient times. They say that, as a talisman, the gem helps the owner to reveal his talents and attracts success and prosperity. This is a stone for businessmen and creative people. As an amulet, carnelian provides protection from accidents, protects against quarrels, improves mood, gives the owner a charge of creative energy at the right moment, and protects against evil spells and the evil eye. In the home, carnelian is a talisman for the family, the guardian of love and happiness, a protector from envy, gossip and lies.
Who is suitable for the profession
Carnelian can become a talisman for representatives of the following professions:
- Drivers. Wearing a stone helps to avoid accidents. With such a talisman it becomes easier to concentrate. At the same time, the driver reacts less emotionally to unforeseen circumstances, which helps to quickly make the right decision when obstacles appear.
- Judges, lawyers and investigators. The gem enhances the craving for justice, so these people will find it more pleasant to work.
- Politicians, writers, poets and representatives of those professions whose activities involve communicating with people. The mineral will give eloquence and confidence. It will become easier to convince others and make profitable deals.
Carnelian is the stone of politicians and lawyers.
Zodiac signs
The mineral is influenced by two elements - Earth and Water. This affects which zodiac sign Carnelian is suitable for. How the magical properties of carnelian will manifest themselves and who the stone is suitable for directly depends on the horoscope. When choosing amulets according to your zodiac sign, this point is always taken into account.
Representative | Carnelian for zodiac sign by color | Impact |
Aries | Scarlet or brown | Awakens creativity, directs energy to fruitful deeds |
Taurus | Scarlet | Man - will increase attractiveness and seductiveness for girls; woman – will charge you with energy and creative spirit |
Twins | Carnelians | Will increase concentration of attention and thinking, help self-realization |
Cancer | Light | Woman - will sharpen intuitive perception; man - will acquire courage and perseverance |
a lion | Any | Strengthens health, reveals sexual potential, rewards with additional energy; a stone in a gold or silver frame - will protect against the evil eye |
Virgo | Any | Will help maintain peace in the family, will set you up for emotional contact with others |
Scales | Orange or fiery red | Will become an assistant in love affairs |
Scorpion | No | Will cause nervousness and causeless outbursts of aggression; short-term wearing is allowed to improve performance |
Sagittarius | Red | Helps to survive unpleasant experiences, promotes harmonious communication with people, sharpens intuition |
Capricorn | Any | Supports in any endeavors, minimizes the number of losses and mistakes, strengthens the body and gives vitality |
Aquarius | Any | Blocks bad influences from the outside on a magical level, promotes beneficial conduct of business relationships |
Fish | Light or orange | Brings you closer to a reliable life partner, promotes a good career |
Carnelian is a universal gem. The magical properties of the stone can be assessed by all zodiac signs according to the horoscope, except for Scorpio.
Application of the mineral
Most often, the gem is used as an insert for jewelry, but in history there are other ways to use it.
Talismans and amulets
Not only jewelry is used as amulets and talismans. Figurines are made from the mineral. If you place one at home, it will protect tender feelings between people, improve the atmosphere in the family and help attract a stable income.
Couples wishing to conceive a child should place the figurine near their own bed or in the children's room.
A figurine standing near the door will ward off ill-wishers and reflect the effects of black magic. Often, after purchasing a figurine, home owners notice that some people now cannot cross the threshold. This may be due to unclean thoughts. To advance your career, it is better to place the figurine on your desktop in your personal account.
Jewelry with mineral
Despite the budget price, jewelry with gems always looks impressive. It is used as an insert for rings, brooches, earrings, pendants, etc. The mineral can complement beads, pendants and rosaries. It is not recommended to purchase the latter, because... with this combination, jewelry can make a person aggressive. To enhance the impact of the stone, it is better to choose products with a silver frame.
Other uses of stone
Ancient people made primitive tools from gems, but they were not strong enough. Subsequently, the stone was used not only to create jewelry, but also to produce furniture, decorative items, souvenirs and church paraphernalia.
Carnelian is used to make jewelry.
Price and how to care
Carnelian belongs to the budget semi-precious stones. Minerals without mounting and processing cost no more than 700-800 rubles. Stones with a common color will have a lower price. The cheapest are opaque minerals with a large number of inclusions.
Maintenance is limited to washing with a soft brush and soapy water. The stone is not stored with other minerals that are harder than itself, because this may result in scratches. It is not recommended to keep it in the open sun for a long time.
How to wear and care?
Rings with carnelian should be worn on the index or middle finger, so the magical potential of the stone is revealed most clearly. Can be worn on the little finger. Unacceptable - on the ring finger.
The best setting is silver or bronze (for bracelets).
The rules of care are simple - do not expose to impacts, do not allow scratches, store separately in a wooden box lined with velvet on the inside or in a suede bag. Wash if necessary in a mild soap solution using a soft sponge.
What stones does it go with?
Carnelian is not recommended to be combined with other stones, because It is difficult to choose a neutral or positive combination. This is due to the fact that the gem belongs to two elements at once: Fire and Air. Even with hematite, small inclusions of which are present in the rock, the mineral conflicts.
You cannot wear jewelry together with any stones that belong to the water element. This applies to pearls, alexandrite, topaz, aquamarine, opal, emerald, etc. A combination with Earth signs can be unsuccessful, but this also depends on the individual characteristics of the person. It is advisable not to combine carnelian with malachite, jasper, chalcedony, agate, jade and morion.
Stones are well compatible with the same elemental counterparts as themselves. This applies to charoite and amber. The mineral goes well with semi-precious stones that belong to the elements of Fire and Air: heliodor, amethyst, tourmaline, pyrite, garnet and rock crystal.
How to distinguish from a fake
The gem is rarely counterfeited, because this is impractical. The cost of the stone itself is low; sometimes the technology for producing imitation is more expensive. You can distinguish fakes by the following signs:
- There are no light stripes.
- There are many scratches on the surface. This happens if the imitation is made of plastic.
- There is an unnatural shine. In natural minerals it is almost absent, so it looks matte. A waxy sheen is allowed.
- There are no defects on the stone. They are most often found on natural gemstones. For example, it may be uneven coloring.
- The stone is too fragile. A natural gem will burst if not handled carefully, but this will require either a strong blow or repeated exposure. Glass may break if dropped.
Sometimes fakes are made from striped agate. It is repainted in orange-brown tones. Such an imitation can only be recognized if one manages to split the stone and look at the cut.
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.