Carnelian is a very beautiful gem that seems to be a very accurate illustration of the vividly-colored red flesh that is more than just a physical item, but which becomes the healer of the soul and mind. For this reason, carnelian has been widely used for quite a long time now in different therapies to regulate imbalances in individuals and to bring peace, harmony and equilibrium into their lives. Why is it considered as deriving from or pertaining to our flesh? Because the very origin of this gemstone points to it - 'carnelian' comes from the Latin word 'carnis', which translates as 'flesh'. Furthermore, in order to sustain this theory, during the 1960s, expert Dr. Johann Schroeder wrote: "It is a half transparent, like the water wherein flesh is washed, or like bloody flesh. Hence it is called 'Carneolus' or 'Carnelian'."

According to ancient beliefs, mostly in Egyptian tradition, the carnelian has a highly protective role for each and every individual who decides to wear it close to his body, therefore as a lucky charm. During those times, the gemstone was considered to be the blood of Isis - Isis being the Egyptian goddess of nature.

And if you are still looking for reasons to sustain the theory according to which carnelian is the magic flesh that can heal the mind and soul, then you should also know that the same researcher who dedicated his life to studying the positive energy and healing effects of the gemstones stated that carnelian used to be used as a very powerful remedy against wounds and bleeding: "The powder of them is good to drink against all fluxes. Carried about, it makes cheerful minds, expels fear, makes courage, destroys and prevents fascinations and defends the body against all poisons. It stops blood by a peculiar property; and bound to the belly keeps up the birth".

Composition/Formation. Carnelian usually occurs in cavities of many rocks, in cone-shaped or nodule-like places. This gemstone has almost the same chemical composition as the agate and a natural carnelian can only be distinguished from its agate 'sister' by the fact that it usually exhibits a cloudy distribution of color. The rich red color is given to this gem by hematite impurities present in it.

History. This semi-precious stone is one of the oldest out there, documents attesting that it was used since the year 2000 B.C. by Romans for signets. This fleshy gem was also reported to have been widely used in Ancient Egyptian magic to protect the living by keeping them from trouble and surrounding them with positive energy and the dead, by ensuring them a safe passage and also the rebirth of the spirit in the afterlife.

Throughout history, carnelian has been extensively used in amulets and talismans to enhance physical and emotional health in the wearers and also to keep sources of evil and negativity at distance. For which reason, Goethe wrote about it the following lines:

"Carnelian is a talisman,

It brings good luck to child and man;

If resting on an onyx ground,

A sacred kiss imprint when found.

It drives away all evil things;

To thee and thine protection brings.

The name of Allah, king of kings,

If graven on this stone, indeed,

Will move to love and doughty need.

From such a gem a woman gains

Sweet hope and comfort in her pains".

Variety. Carnelian is usually found in various shades of red and orange, from light, translucent ones to deep, brownish-red. Depending on the particular tone such a gem has, it is termed differently - for instance, if it is brownish, then it is also called Sard; if it has white stripes and bands, then it is also called Sardonyx; if it is very dark, then it can be classified as Jaspar etc. In that which concerns the regions where carnelian is mined, the widest and most important are found in India.

Uses. Having such a beautiful, piercing color, carnelian is extensively used in the jewelry industry, usually embedded in semi-precious and precious metals in order to create fine and exquisite adornments. But it has also been and still is highly praised for the positive energy with which this gem can surround individuals when close to their bodies, therefore it is used in amulets, talismans and lucky charms to promote peacefulness, health and creativity in them.

Lore and therapy. As mentioned before, carnelian is a very old semi-precious stone endowed with many beneficial effects upon the wellbeing of humans, starting from the fact that it can bring balance and harmony into one's life and continuing with a wide range of other positive ways in which it can improve our life, playing an active role in preserving the health of a person and also in making him more witty, courageous and self-confident.