Carnelian

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Carnelian is a chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, coloured orange to reddish brown by iron oxides. It is translucent, smooth and takes a fine polish.

  • Colour: orange to reddish brown, translucent.
  • Family and hardness: chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz); Mohs hardness 6.5 to 7.
  • Traditional symbolism: Warm orange in tone, it is traditionally associated with energy, motivation and creativity.
  • Care: Lukewarm water and a soft cloth. A sturdy stone, suitable for jewellery worn every day.

Its colour is often enhanced by heating or dyeing, a very old and common practice. A very bright, uniform carnelian has probably been treated.

Profile: Carnelian

Colourorange to reddish-brown, translucent
Mineral familychalcedony (microcrystalline quartz)
Hardness (Mohs scale)6.5 to 7
Contact with wateryes
Sun exposureyes
Traditional symbolismWarm orange in tone, it is traditionally associated with energy, motivation and creativity.
Traditional chakrasacral
CareLukewarm water and a soft cloth. A sturdy stone, suitable for jewellery worn every day.
Good to knowIts colour is often enhanced by heating or dyeing, a very old and common practice. A very vivid, uniform carnelian has probably been treated.

See all the stones in the glossary · Cleansing and recharging

The meanings given are traditions and symbolism, presented for their cultural and personal interest. They are not promises of results and do not replace the advice of a health professional.