Tirza Schaefer | Crystals

Carnelian

Gemstones and minerals have been used since times immemorial for ritual purposes, to mark places and for healing. The work with crystals and its positive effects is well documented and comprises a valuable additional tool alongside traditional and alternative forms of treatment. For a list of stones and further information, please visit the Crystals page.

Alternate Names

Cornelian (an older spelling)

Karneol / Karneolstein (the Germanic version)

Sard (similar and closely related to Carnelian and was used interchangeably in old texts, although Sard is harder and darker)

Mecca Stone (sometimes this name is used in the Middle East)

Flesh Agate (Carnelian is not an Agate but was sometimes called this because of its colour)

Sunset Stone (modern New Age name created for marketing)

Stone of Motivation

Singer's Stone

Stone of Courage

Blood of Isis

Locations

Brazil, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, Scotland, the United States, Peru, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Siberia and Germany

Composition

Carnelian is a Tectosilicate mineral, a member of the quartz family, specifically, a silica mineral, Chalcedony with usually q dark orange to brownish-red colour. The colour stems from impurities of iron oxide. The colour can vary enormously from a pale orange to almost black. Carnelian is translucent to semi-opaque in appearance.

The name Carnelian is derived from the medieval Latin word Corneolus, the name of a Southern European cherry plant.

General Information & Legends

Its name is derived from the medieval Latin word Corneolus, which is a derivative of the older Latin word cornum, which refers to the Cornel cherry, a Southern European cherry plant. Its translucent red fruits resemble the stone. There are other theories about the etymological derivation of the stone's name, although this seems to be the most popular.

Since the early Neolithic in Bulgaria, the red variety of Carnelian has been used. The first description of faceted Carnelian pearls comes from the middle of the 5th millennium BCE from the Varna Chalcolithic necropolis. In the 4th - 5th millennium BCE, the bow drill was already used to drill holes into Carnelian beads in Mergarh, (a Neolithic archaeological site situated on the Kacchi Plain of Balochistan), Pakistan. In the Bronze Age on Crete, around 1800 BCE, Carnelian was used in decorative art. In Roman times, the stone was engraved and widely used used in signet or seal rings as hot wax does not stick to Carnelian.

The closely related, darker Sard was used in Assyrian cylinder seals, Egyptian and Phoenician scarabs, and Etruscan gems. In the Hebrew High Priest's breastplate (after Aron, the brother of Moses), it was used as the first stone, signifying the blood of martyrs. It was probably Sard, but could also have been Red Jasper. And in Revelations, it is mentioned in a vision of The One, and as one of the precious stones in the foundations of the wall of the heavenly city.

In Egyptian times, the deceased wore Carnelian amulets around their necks which symbolised the blood of Isis and also protected its wearer in the afterlife. Also, the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead's 29th chapter was inscribed in a Carnelian tablet. It was also worn by master architects to show their rank of builder.

Deities & Angels

Isis (Ancient Egypt)

Pele (Polynesia)

Ra (Ancient Egypt)

The breastplate of Aron (Hebrew)

Chakras

Sacral

Root

Healing

Physical: alleviate period cramps, heal wounds, reduce pain, bloating, allergies, arthritis, asthma, back pain and problems, bladder, blood circulation, and disorders, body balance, body detoxification (particularly of alcohol or drugs), boils, colds and flu, colonic health, frigidity, gallbladder, haemorrhoids, impotence, infection, infertility, intestinal disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, low blood pressure, memory, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, neuralgia, oedema, ovarian disorders or cysts, pancreas, phlebitis, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), reproductive organs, rheumatism, scoliosis, sexual anxiety, spleen, stimulates metabolism, urinary tract, varicose veins, vitality and weakness, improve vitamin, mineral and nutrient absorption and the blood supply to organs and tissues in order to accelerate the healing of bones and ligaments.

Emotional/Mental: willpower, courage, taking action, dissipating anger and fear, grants mental clarity, energy, motivation, stabilisation, helps with the release of negative conditioning, stimulates creativity and determination to complete projects, whether artistic pieces or business ventures, helps to speak more comfortably and eloquently, assists with endurance and leadership, calm fears about death and bring acceptance of the cycle of birth and death, heal abuse of any kind, acceptance, appreciation, decision making, delusions, depression, eating disorders, envy, happiness, possessiveness in relationships, self-confidence, self-worth, forgiveness, empathy, grief, peace.

Spiritual: Protection, meditating or sleeping with Carnelian helps you to step into your divine feminine power , especially during menses) and embrace the mysteries of the body's rhythms, enhances spiritual clarity and true sight, removes illusion, aid past life recall, reincarnation, serenity, intuition.

Birthstones & Anniversaries

Traditional: none

Modern: Taurus, Cancer, Leo

Anniversaries: 17th

Meditation

Carnelian is a perfect crystal for meditating to allow you to go deeper into a meditative state without interruption by random thoughts. It is useful to use when you wish to bring an idea to life or to look at past lives and your soul purpose.

Affirmation

I am motivated to make positive life choices.

Warning

Cleanse your crystals regularly.