Birthstones - Brilliant Jewelers

Carnelian is the alternate birthstone for the month of August and the sign of Virgo.

Description

Carnelian is an orange-colored variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Carnelian is a brownish-red or orange mineral commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Carnelian is a variety of the silica mineral, chalcedony, colored by impurities of iron oxide.

Carnelian is a reddish variety of quartz, a translucent to opaque and moderately hard. In antique jewelry carnelian lends itself to engraving (ring sand cameos). It is a relatively inexpensive stone with great warmth and beauty.

The wearing of carnelian is recommended to those who have a weak voice or are timid in speech, for the warm-colored stone will give them the courage.

Stone Lore

Ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Romans wore amulets and talismans made from carnelian stones. Carnelian has been admired by Muslims, because Muhammad himself wore a silver ring/seal set with an engraved carnelian. Napoleon I, while on a campaign in Egypt, picked up a fabulous octagonal carnelian, upon which was engraving: "The Slave Abraham Relying Upon the Merciful God."

Arab people consider the carnelian one of the stones of kings. Carnelian’s rich, warm color often links it to projective, proactive energies associated with lions and fire. Traditionally, the stone lends courage to those in need and helps with public speaking. Carnelian Stone is its psychological protection and reduces stress and tension.

Carnelian is the alternate birthstone for the month of August and the sign of Virgo.

Description

Stone Lore

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