Carnelian - the bloodied gemstone

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Carnelian is a translucent stone available in varying shades that range from flesh pink to burnt orange, red and brown

It was argued that carnelian's colour was reminiscent of bloodied human flesh and this explains the derivation of its name: carne being Latin for flesh or meat. Although the gem is comprised primarily of silicon dioxide, it owes its warm tones to the iron oxide impurities it contains.

Deposits of carnelian are found close to the Earth's surface where conditions are cooler and less pressurised. Carnelian is a member of the chalcedony family; its most well-known relatives are sard, heliotrope, bloodstone, moss agate, chrysoprase, banded agate and flint.

As microcrystalline forms of quartz, chalcedony gems are among the most abundant on Earth. Consequently, carnelian can be found in numerous countries all over the world. Uruguay and Japan are among the most popular locations, however the main source of carnelian is Campo de Maia in South America. Many of the specimens derived from here are colour treated with ferrous nitrate to enhance their hue. Of all the places carnelian is found, India is regarded by the jewellery industry as the place where the best-quality examples are found.

Its uses are just as varied. Throughout history, ancient civilisations discovered that the stone would not adhere to wax. For this reason, they carved pieces of carnelian into wax stamps and used the implements to add personalised seals to the important documents of kings and merchants.

On a spiritual level, the stone was known in ancient Egypt as the 'Blood of Isis' (Goddess of Nature and Guide of Souls to the Underworld). Accordingly, a carnelian amulet called a 'thet' was placed upon the throats of corpses in the belief it would evoke the assistance of Isis to guide the soul safely to the next life. For this reason, numerous pieces of jewellery containing carnelian were uncovered in ancient Egyptian tombs. So strong was the Egyptian peoples' faith in carnelian that, along with turquoise and lapis lazuli, it was the most used stone in ancient Egyptian jewellery.

In the Middle East, many feared the superstitious power of the 'evil eye', an amulet comprised of various gems, including turquoise. Carnelian was carved into pendants inscribed with prayers believed to ward off evil glances. Other versions of this legend tell of how Allah would grant wishes to those who wore a carnelian pendant engraved with God's name.

Modern-day uses see carnelian cut as cabochons and used in all types of jewellery, particularly beads and cameo brooches.

For some, carnelian pieces are more than just adornments, with many believing in the stone's physical and emotional healing power. The gem is said to promote happiness, impart courage, restore confidence, guard the body against poisons and assist in childbirth. Many New Age healers use carnelian to assist health complaints originating in the lower abdomen. They also have faith in its ability to heal rheumatism, asthma, insomnia and skin conditions like acne. Red carnelian is believed to help with diseases of the blood and nosebleeds and to purify one’s circulation.