Carnelian, also known as cornelian, is a transluscent, reddish orange variety of chalcedony. It was once thought to still the blood and calm the temper. Its various shades of red are due to the presence of iron oxide. Stones may be uniformly colored or faintly banded.
Most carnelian stone on the market is stained chalcedony from Uruguay or Brazil.
Occurrence
The best carnelian is from India, where it is placed in the sun to change brown tints to red.
Carnelian Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.61
- Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54
- Birefringence (DR): 0.004
- Luster: Vitreous to waxy
- Crystal Structure: Trigonal
- Composition: Silicon dioxide
- Hardness: 7
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