Carnelian (carnelian) is a chalcedony that has been known to people for 8 centuries. There are various options regarding the origin of its name. According to one of them, the name of the mineral goes back to the Old Russian language. Its deep purple color has led to comparisons to a heart. This is not surprising, since after processing, carnelian resembles an anatomically correct heart.
The inhabitants of Ancient Greece called it “sardolith”. This meant that it was brought from Sardis, the capital of Lydia (an ancient state located on the coast of the Aegean Sea). The Romans believed that the gem was similar to dogwood berries, which were called “cornum”.
For thousands of years, special medicinal and magical properties have been attributed to carnelian. It was used during rituals and ceremonies.
Description and origin of carnelian
Carnelian is used in magical rituals.
Carnelian is of volcanic origin. Its relatives are chalcedony and agate.
Other names of the stone are carnelian, sarder, carnelian. The yellow variety is called lincurium. In Rus', the mineral was called the “July stone” because its bright orange-red color was associated with the sun.
Carnelian is included in the list of the most ancient gems. Jewelry with it was found at archaeological excavations. Scientists estimate the age of the finds at approximately 40 thousand years.
Ancient people attached great importance to carnelian. This stone adorned the breastplate of the Jewish patriarch, and the Prophet Muhammad wore a ring with it. The Egyptians made ritual objects from carnelian, which were placed inside tombs so that the dead could freely travel through the afterlife.
Varieties of carnelian were often discovered during excavations of Paleolithic era layers. Cavemen created tools, beads, and other objects from stone.
Place of Birth
The stone is mainly found in volcanic rocks. The mineral fills the cracks. In geology they are called geodes and nodules. Carnelian can mainly be found in porphyrites, basalts and traps. There are other rocks where this gem is not so much a natural inclusion, but an integral component. These rocks include opoka and jasper.
Carnelian is found not only in sedimentary rocks. It can be seen in mollusk shells and loose rocks, such as pebbles. This is where the broken particles end up. Carnelian has satellite stones that help geologists find deposits of Carnelian itself. This can be limonite, quartz and other carbonates.
Gem deposits are located near reservoirs and volcanoes. Places where the mineral is mined: India, Mongolia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Madagascar, Germany, the Arabian Peninsula. Gems are exported to other countries from Russia, Sri Lanka, Australia, the USA and Uruguay.
Shades and varieties
Carnelian is divided into types according to the place of extraction and color. There are only 3 of the latter - sarder, carnelian and carnelian.
Sarder
This is the name of the dark red variety of carnelian, which has a brown or chestnut tint. The mineral received its name from the ancient city of Sarda in Lydia.
Sarder is a variety of carnelian.
Cornelian
The color palette of carnelian depends on the amount of iron in the stone. The color can be pinkish, orange, reddish, honey. Samples of certain colors have their own names.
Sometimes stones are found with spots or stripes of white or yellow, which indicates their authenticity.
Carnelian with a variety of colors.
Carnelian
It has a thick red color that resembles blood. According to magicians, the stone looks like a human heart. This variety is the most popular among jewelers, collectors and esotericists.
Red carnelian is popular.
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.
Healing properties of carnelian
The healing properties of carnelian were believed back in Ancient Egypt. The priests ground the mineral into powder and added it to the water they gave to the sick. This mixture helped with kidney pathologies and migraines.
During World War II, the crystal was used to treat open wounds and abscesses in soldiers. The gem was heated and applied to the affected area in the form of a compress.
Modern lithotherapists using stone:
- treat skin diseases;
- relieve headaches;
- eliminate neuroses, depression;
- remove stones from the kidneys and bladder;
- save from poisoning;
- normalize intestinal function in case of colitis, constipation;
- increase potency in men;
- accelerate tissue regeneration processes;
- reduce the intensity of pain;
- treat the respiratory system.
The effectiveness of carnelian and its magical properties is recognized by official medicine, although no scientific basis has been found for the abilities of the crystal.
Some scientists believe that the radiation inherent in the gem is to blame. Its presence makes it impossible to use the stone for the treatment of cancer patients.
The stone helps with poisoning.
Carnelian therapy by E. I. Badigina
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the development of technology has made it possible to identify previously unknown properties of this gem and to invent new ways of using it in medicine. Back in 1935, biologist Evgenia Ivanovna Badigina created a homemade medical device by installing a 30-gram carnelian at the output of a regular hair dryer. In her opinion, the stone could be of absolutely any origin, the main thing is that it had opaque white stripes. She considered them “a source of healing radioactivity.” The air flow from this device was used to treat wounds and other sore spots on the patients’ bodies for 5–50 seconds.
It is reliably known that at the initial stage of research, out of 433 patients, only six people showed no positive changes, and 278 people completed treatment with positive results, that is, completely cured. However, for some reason the Soviet healthcare system did not accept Badigina’s device. For many years she sought recognition of the device, having cured more than one thousand people during this time, but the matter never got off the ground. The device, and with it carnelian therapy, were not approved for use in medical institutions and were forgotten by the scientific community, perhaps undeservedly.
Magical properties of carnelian
Since ancient times, magical properties have been attributed to carnelian. It was believed that scarlet stones have the most powerful energy. The more saturated the color, the stronger the crystal’s abilities.
According to legends, such minerals are associated with the love sphere and affect the relationship of lovers. Magicians claim that carnelian makes good talismans for good luck, love, and protective amulets against love spells.
The yellow variety of carnelian – lincurium – affects the business sphere of its owner’s life. The gem is recommended to be worn by those who want to succeed in their career, become a leader or get rich. The crystal will also be useful for creative people - it will give them inspiration and help them realize hidden talents.
Dark red and brown varieties - sarders - are used in magic to harmonize the inner world. They get rid of negative attitudes, bad thoughts, and obsessions.
Regardless of color, carnelian helps its owner:
- become happy;
- improve relationships with others;
- make dreams come true;
- find love;
- believe in your own strength.
Some specimens have dark spots on the surface. Such patterns, according to esotericists, bring bad luck, so they should be avoided.
The stone is used in magical rituals.
Physical properties of the mineral
Currently, carnelian is considered an inexpensive ornamental stone, its price is low, but, thanks to its properties and its beauty, it has not lost its relevance. The demand for carnelian is not falling; jewelry made from it is very popular. The main production of carnelian is concentrated in India, the USA, Russia, China, Brazil, Bulgaria, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia.
Carnelian is a stone whose properties allow it to be classified as a red variety of chalcedony. The hardness of the mineral is determined to be 6.5-7 units on the Mohs hardness scale. Chemical formula - SiO 2. Various shades of red color are due to the high content of iron impurities. Main shades found in nature:
- pure red;
- reddish brown;
- orange-brown;
- reddish-brown;
- yellowish-red;
- pink.
Stones often contain inclusions of various colors.
In appearance and to the touch, carnelian resembles pieces of colored glass, has a dim waxy sheen, is translucent, but opaque. The mineral dissolves completely in hydrochloric acid.
Application area
Carnelian is used in jewelry, as well as for creating decorative items.
Jewelry
Varieties of stone are used as inserts in inexpensive jewelry. The mineral is framed with silver and other metals, with the exception of gold. In India, carnelian is often inlaid into bronze and brass bracelets.
Decor
Carnelian is popular among home craftswomen. Beads and cut stone samples are used in personal creativity, creating designer products.
Lincurium and sarder are used in stone-cutting art, cutting out figurines, gems and other figures that serve to decorate the interior.
Jewelry with mineral
Carnelian is loved by jewelry makers. But since the stone is inexpensive, it is used for inlaying jewelry or silver items. Indian craftsmen set the stone in bronze, brass or medical alloy.
Silver products are affordable and very beautiful. Any woman can afford such jewelry. The average cost of such accessories is approximately as follows:
- Rings, rings – 2500-4500 rubles.
- Earrings – from 2 to 4 thousand rubles.
- Pendants are sold in the range from 1500 to 4500 rubles.
- Bracelets are a little more expensive - from 3,500 to 8,000 rubles.
Carnelian beads are also in demand among handmakers. Therefore, you can always buy handmade designer jewelry for yourself or your loved ones. In addition, figurines and other pleasant little things, in particular talismans and amulets, are carved from any type of stone.
Charms and talismans
Since ancient times, carnelian has been endowed with mystical properties, believing that it can protect against love spells, damage and other troubles. The crystal was used as a talisman, worn on oneself or kept at home.
In Ancient Egypt, carnelian was used to make fasteners for clothes, believing that they would protect against evil spirits. The Arabs associated the crystal with the masculine principle, believing that it would protect against poverty if worn in a ring.
In modern society, magicians recommend using a carnelian amulet for:
- protecting your home from negative energy, robberies, fires, bad guests;
- good luck in your career and business;
- strengthening relationships with loved ones;
- conception and birth of a healthy child;
- improvement of well-being.
The mineral improves doing business.
Use of carnelian and decorations made from it
The main areas of application of carnelian for many centuries are the crafts and jewelry industry. The stone has a high hardness index, so frames for mirrors, boxes, souvenir balls, wall mosaic elements, and petals for “trees of happiness” are made from it. Tumbled crystals are also used for inlaying interior elements.
The radiance of the rich red shades of carnelian, the noble appearance of the processed stone and its affordable price attract the attention of jewelry makers. It is processed into a cabochon, giving it a round or oval shape, after which it is inserted into all types of jewelry - women's rings and pendants, men's rings and pendants, brooches, bracelets and earrings.
The stone is also used to make beads, necklaces, rosaries and magic items.
Who is Carnelian suitable for according to their zodiac sign?
The mysterious stone is not suitable for every representative of the zodiac circle. Before purchasing, you need to check your compatibility with carnelian.
Aries
The mineral will help Aries become more responsible, teach them work and patience. For the hot-tempered and aggressive Aries, carnelian will become an indispensable assistant.
Taurus
Scarlet varieties of carnelian are suitable for Taurus. With them they will feel more confident, more peaceful, and more sociable. The crystal will fill them with strength, give them inspiration and energy for new achievements.
Twins
Of all the representatives of the water element, carnelian is especially sympathetic to Gemini. The mineral will help them find happiness in love, point them in the right direction, and make them more resilient and resistant to negativity.
Cancer
For Cancers, the crystal will become a faithful teacher. It will strengthen their intuition and insight, teach them to foresee danger and future events. To open clairvoyance, Cancer needs to choose red or orange stones.
a lion
Carnelian will help Leos get rich and achieve success in work without any effort. Such a gem will improve the owner’s relationship with relatives.
Scales
Carnelian will help fulfill their desires. For lonely Libra, the crystal will point to a good person who can win their heart.
Scorpion
Astrologers do not recommend Scorpios to purchase this stone. It will make them cynical, cruel, hot-tempered and strengthen other negative qualities.
Sagittarius
The gem will make Sagittarians feel more confident, which will have a positive effect on their ability to work and will bring them success on the love front. Representatives of this sign can wear minerals of any color.
Capricorn
With the help of carnelian, Capricorns will achieve mental balance and harmony. The crystal will also help them in their work, suggesting how to turn their hobby into a profitable business.
Aquarius
Carnelian will bring good luck and luck to Aquarius in all areas of life. Possessing this gem, they can safely take risks and get involved in adventures - the stone will not leave them in trouble.
Fish
The Pisces mineral will relieve internal anxieties, fears, doubts and laziness. In return, the crystal will give them peace of mind and a positive attitude.
Extraordinary Power
The magical powers of a gemstone are expressed, one way or another, due to the color of the mineral. Carnelians are the most active colors. She has a slightly different range of methods.
Carnelian is believed to be the stone of love. This semi-precious stone corresponds to sensual emotions due to the personal part of the connection. At the same time, the level of power of the ingot increases with the level of intensity of the color of the stone - the lighter and denser the red hue, the stronger the magic.
For this reason, a variety of carnelian is used by esotericists to form love amulets, as well as protective amulets that protect a person from the influence of attractions.
As for lincurium, this solid body benefits entrepreneurs whose task is to constantly occupy a leading position. In addition, yellow carnelian will help capable but difficult people acquire the necessary qualities to show their skills and show creative inclinations.
Carnelian for representatives of different professions
The stone is recommended to be worn by people of the following professions:
- Truckers, travelers, sailors. The crystal will help them return home safe and sound.
- Lawyers, judges and investigators. The gem will strengthen their desire for justice.
- Educators, writers, speakers, lawyers and politicians. The stone will teach people of these professions to speak eloquently, convince listeners and develop their imagination.
Carnelian for teachers.
Application in meditation, black and white magic
Tibetan and Chinese spiritual practitioners have long said that the deep red layered crystals, which resemble blood clots, can influence the male yang energy, giving those who meditate while looking at the stone vitality.
As for the sphere of spiritualism and magic, the stone finds application here too. The solar mineral is considered an effective amulet against attacks from otherworldly forces and dark witchcraft. The magical properties of brown and red stones are better revealed in men, while light yellow carnelians are more suitable for women. The mineral can:
- protect from the evil eye;
- improve intuition;
- get rid of lack of money;
- strengthen memory;
- attract social success.
Combinations of carnelian and other stones
Carnelian is protected by the elements of Air and Fire, so it is difficult to find a pair for it:
- The mineral conflicts with green stones such as emerald, jasper, malachite, jade.
- It has a negative attitude towards black morion and goethite, although it contains particles of it.
- Does not get along with opal, white pearl, topaz, aquamarine.
The gem feels best in the company of amber, charoite and spinel. Compatible with garnet, quartz, amethyst, beryl, pyrite.
Stone care
Carnelian does not require special care; to preserve its appearance, it is enough to follow a few rules:
- store separately from other minerals, using a box with soft upholstery;
- protect from impacts, falls and other mechanical impacts;
- Clean with warm soapy water, do not use products containing abrasives or acidic compounds.
Periodically, the gem must be placed in the direct rays of the sun so that it is charged with their “warm” energy.
Where can I buy
Jewelry can be purchased at jewelry stores, at fairs and from individuals involved in handicrafts. Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the stone matches your horoscope and check the authenticity of the copy, especially when purchasing second-hand.
You can’t buy used jewelry: they store someone else’s energy, which can have a negative impact.
After purchase, any product must be cleaned by placing it in a container filled with spring or melt water for 2–5 hours.
origin of name
Russian-speaking people tend to explain the meaning of the word as “heart-like,” suggesting that the name of the stone comes from two Slavic roots, but this version is erroneous.
In fact, the name of the stone is of ancient Greek or ancient Persian origin. It received its name from the Lydian city of Sardis, where brown gem-quality stones were mined.
Another, more popular name for the mineral abroad, carnelian, has Latin roots and literally translates as “dogwood fruit.” Probably, berry-red stones received this name due to their rich color.
The color scheme also determines the name of light honey minerals - the word “ceragat” comes from the Latin cera, that is, wax.
Determining the authenticity of carnelian
Carnelian is an inexpensive stone and is common in nature, so it is rarely counterfeited.
But sometimes imitations still occur in the form:
- Plastic or glass . You can recognize deception by scratching the crystal with a needle. Unlike natural carnelian, a fake plastic will leave a deep mark. The glass copy has translucent edges and a glassy sheen, while natural carnelian has a matte, waxy sheen.
- South American colored agates . They are given the desired shade by iron-containing preparations, and it is impossible to distinguish them from natural carnelian by eye. You can reveal the deception if you split the crystal in half: a color line will be visible at the edges.
How to spot a fake
There are several options for replacing carnelian on the shelves of different sellers:
- Plastic. Such a fake will give itself away immediately - weight, warmth, durability. Natural stone is heavy, cool and scratch resistant. With plastic, everything is exactly the opposite.
- Glass. The shine of the stone will tell the buyer that the buyer is looking at glass instead of carnelian - the natural gem is endowed with a waxy, matte tint. Translucent edges with a pronounced glass sheen indicate a fake.
- Imitation from another mineral. The most difficult fake to diagnose. It is difficult to distinguish a natural cheap gem from a natural slightly more expensive stone. For example, South American agates are stained with special preparations, passing them off as carnelian. You won’t be able to tell if it’s a fake from the outside until you crack the gem—the edge of the staining will be visible on the inside.
In fact, the last option is not a fake as such. However, this is still not carnelian, so be careful. Carnelian is not as valuable as an emerald or diamond, but purchasing a fake is equally unpleasant.
How to wear carnelian
It is recommended to wear the jewelry on the index or middle finger. Esotericists and astrologers claim that this way the magical abilities of the stone manifest themselves better.
If the mineral is used as a home talisman, then it is placed near the entrance. For treatment, the raw gem is applied to the sore spot.
You should not wear a carnelian ring on your ring finger.
The stone must be carried closer to the sore spot.
Healing properties of carnelian stone
Carnelian is endowed with amazing healing qualities. It has a beneficial effect on the entire human body. Powder or medicinal ointments are made from it, and solid stone or thin plates are used for applications.
Healers from Europe added carnelian powder to wine to get rid of migraines, normalize blood pressure, stabilize blood flow and prevent hearing loss. Ointment from the gem treated purulent wounds. There was an opinion that if it was crushed and added to a medicine, then its properties would be significantly enhanced.
Lithotherapists recommend wearing jewelry with carnelian, since this way you can improve the condition of a certain organ or system of the body. The ring has a positive effect on the activity of the cardiovascular system. Earrings cope with migraines, relieve nervous tension and activate mental work. The bracelet stabilizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, improves metabolism, treats dysbiosis and relieves intestinal diseases. Healers emphasize that those with an unstable psyche should not wear rosaries, pendants and beads, since such products have a negative impact on internal balance. They lead to irritation and emotional discomfort.
Interesting Facts
Carnelian has a rich history, as reflected in the following facts:
- Queen Shub-Ad, ruling in the city of Ur in Mesopotamia, had a huge number of carnelian beads.
- During excavations, a snake's head carved from carnelian was discovered on Tutankhamun's mummy.
- A. S. Pushkin had a ring with a large carnelian, which was given to him by Countess E. K. Vorontsova.
The orange-red “July stone” has always been considered the patron saint of creative people. In addition to Pushkin, its owners were Tsvetaeva, Byron, Mandelstam.
Cost of the mineral and favorable time to buy
Carnelian is available for purchase. Average prices in rubles:
- necklace – 4000;
- necklace – 1500;
- large pendant – 2000;
- bracelet – 700;
- ring completely carved from stone – 350;
- stud earrings – 500.
Favorable times for purchase are 1–4, 8, 11, 17–19 lunar days; spring is considered the optimal time of year.
Carnelian is distinguished by its bright color scheme, which helps to give freshness to the image and emphasize the individuality and subtle taste of the owner. Wearing it will help maintain health and good spirits.
Which shade of carnelian appeals to you most? Tell your friends and acquaintances about the stone by sharing this article with them.
