Although now the more common term, "carnelian" is a 16th-century corruption of the 14th-century word "cornelian" (and its associated orthographies corneline and cornalyn). Cornelian, cognate with similar words in several Romance languages, comes from the Mediaeval Latin corneolus, itself derived from the Latin word cornum, the cornel cherry, whose translucent red fruits resemble the stone. This brownish-red mineral is considered a semi-precious gemstone. Its color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.

HISTORY

Carnelian entered recorded history more than 4000 years ago. This orange mineral rock was revered by ancient noblemen and noblewomen. Ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Romans wore amulets and talismans made from carnelian stones. They also wore insignia rings adorned with carnelian gemstones and made seals out of carnelian rock.

COMPOSITION

Carnelian is a brownish-red mineral similar to sard, which is generally harder and darker. The difference is not rigidly defined, and the two names are often used interchangeably. Both carnelian and sard are varieties of the silica mineral chalcedony, colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The physical healing properties of carnelian are primarily associated with increased circulation, which can be beneficial in all aspects of health, and can bring increased strength and stamina. It is said to improve digestion and facilitate nutrient absorption in the small intestine, improving vitamin and mineral absorption, and stimulating the metabolism.

Carnelian benefits are said to assist with healing the musculo-skeletal system. It treats back troubles, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, and accelerates healing in bones and ligaments. Carnelian ensures a good blood supply to organs and tissues, regulating the kidneys, improving fertility, reducing frigidity and impotence, and it may minimize symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause.

Carnelian gemstones are said to help with boils, congestion, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, skin problems, nose bleeds and varicose veins. Carnelian may help reduce depression assist with detoxification from drugs and alcohol, in addition to helping to break addictions to these substances.

Carnelian is full of life force, stimulating the metabolism and bringing a good supply of blood to the organs and tissues. It influences the reproductive organs of both sexes, and increases fertility, overcoming frigidity and impotence. It aids in menstrual and menopausal symptoms, and may aid in vitro and artificial insemination. [Hall, 95][Eason, 84]

It benefits in the absorption of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals in the small intestine, and improves blood viscosity and circulation. [Gienger, 21] It helps reduce congestion, phlebitis, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as boils and skin irritations. Carnelian accelerates scarification and heals nosebleeds. (However, if these recur, consult a doctor.) [Megemont, 46]

It helps heal lower back problems, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, and accelerates healing in bones and ligaments. It aids the relief of depression, especially in those of advanced years. [Hall, 95][Eason, 72]

It provides excellent support for detoxifying from alcohol or other drugs, breaking bad physical habits, and for improving overall health in general.[Ahsian, 93]