Gem Profile- Carnelian

by Judy Ellis

Carnelian

Carnelian is the rusty, red-orange translucent form of chalcedony. Sard is practically a synonym for carnelian, since there aren't hard and fast rules about calling a stone one or the other. However, sard pieces would generally be duller, darker (almost black) and harder than carnelian. Still, carnelian ranks a 7 on Mohs Scale and is a good stone for nearly every type of jewelry because of its durability. It is comparatively lightweight. Many members of the quartz/chalcedony family were used in ancient times, and carnelian is no exception: in Rome, it was used widely for stamping seals in wax, since wax does not stick to this stone.

Those familiar with etymology might think that carnelian comes from the Latin caro, carnis for flesh, due to its color being similar to raw meat.

However, the true derivation comes from cornum, Latin for a cornel cherry. This cherry has translucent red fruit resembling the stone.

Therefore, when you see this stone labeled as cornelian, that is actually the original, correct spelling.

After hundreds of years, though, most of us are just used to calling it by the more common name, carnelian.

Carol Roskey used 24- and 14-gauge wire to create this carnelian bead bracelet

Sard likely comes from the Persian word sered, meaning yellow-ish red, although Pliny the Elder thought it might come from the city of Sardis.

Carnelian is mostly found in India, Russia, South Africa, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, and the US.

Joan Madouse wrapped this freeform carnelian stone into a pendant with gold craft wire.

Carnelian can be sold naturally. However, most carnelian and carnelian-like agates are heat-treated to achieve a more vibrant orange-red color.

Heating can activate the iron deposits in the stone, which produces a richer color. If you leave carnelian out in the sun, its color can also change or become darker over time.

The red color in carnelian comes from hematite, or iron oxide.

True carnelian's color typically appears cloudy-looking, rather than solid or flat.

Janet wire wrapped this carnelian stone, as well as the chainmaille bracelet, for a special friend.

Carnelian can be confused with shell, especially in cameos. Stone cameos carved from a carnelian background with a white agate or onyx foreground can look very similar to traditional shell cameos.

To tell them apart, you can use one of two tests on a discrete, hidden part of the cameo.

First, shell is very soft, rating only 3-4 on the Mohs scale, while carnelian is a 7. A piece of steel (4), glass (4-5.5), or a knife blade (5.5) would scratch the shell, but not the carnelian.

Second, apply a drop of hydrochloric acid to a hidden spot on the cameo. A shell would bubble and fizz in that spot because it contains calcium carbonate, while a carnelian stone wouldn't react at all.

Jamie Frandsen wrapped this carnelian cabochon with copper wire into a pendant.

To care for carnelian, keep it safe from heat and chemicals; it's safe to clean carnelian in warm, soapy water with a soft brush.

Debbie Ellis wire wrapped this carnelian bracelet with several sizes of beads.

Metaphysically, some associate carnelian with Mars and the Zodiac signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo, and Capricorn, and is an alternative birthstone to Ruby for July. Carnelian is associated with fertility, family, and passion.

Resources & Recommended Reading

Carnelian - Wikipedia
Carnelian - Geology.com
Chalcedony - GemSociety.org

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