Carnelian Stone: Meaning, Properties & Symbolism of This Orange Gem

The carnelian stone is the most famous and, usually, least expensive chalcedony variety. This semi-precious quartz stone ranges in color from sleek yellow-orange to rich, near reddish-orange to a deep reddish-brown. It can also be anything from totally translucent to semi-opaque.

If you’re interested in learning more about carnelian, keep reading!

What Is Carnelian?

Iron oxide is the source of this semi-precious orange gemstone’s color. This means it can quite easily be heat-treated, even by just laying it out in the sun. Exposing the stone to heat will darken its red tones as the iron oxidises.

Keep this in mind when purchasing a carnelian. Assume that, unless specifically informed otherwise, your stone has been heat treated.

History of Carnelian

The Carnelian goes back to Ancient Egypt where it took on many roles, from being a stone of fertility to stimulating passion and even provide courage to the ancient warriors and fighters.

Outside of Ancient Egypt, Carnelian is used by wizards. They would utilise the energy of this powerful stone to trigger other stones. Many also considered the stone to be a status symbol and wearing it would protect one from sickness and help avert any calamities. 

Where Is Carnelian Found?

Commercial orange carnelian comes mostly from India, but countries the world-over mine it. Brazil, Egypt, and Uruguay are also important sources of this stone helped along with iron oxide.

Is Carnelian Expensive?

As attractive as carnelian crystals are, they’re not particularly rare. This makes them affordable for just about everybody. The average price for a small stone is around $9.00.

The brighter, more reddish-orange tones that are similar to jasper stone fetch higher prices. Naturally, the bigger and cleaner the stone, the higher its value will be.

How Can You Tell If a Carnelian Stone Is Fake?

Many carnelians for sale in today’s markets are actually dyed and heat-treated agate, but there is quite an easy way to identify natural ones. Hold it against the light. Dyed agate will show stripes and natural carnelians will have a cloudier distribution of color.

What Does Carnelian Symbolize?

Carnelian captivates in much the same way that the flash of a fiery sunset or the first blaze of autumnal brilliance does. It symbolises bold energy, warmth, and a joy that lingers as much as it empowers and stimulates.

It’s known for being a stone of courage, endurance, energy, leadership, and motivation. Carnelians have inspired and protected us throughout history thanks to their bright, rich coloring.

Ancient Egyptians called carnelians “the setting sun” because its orange hues lend it more female, passive, receptive, qualities. The stone links to the rich and fertile menstrual blood of the Isis, a major goddess in the old religion. However, when the stone’s hues are redder, red-orange, and reddish-brown, it became an active male energy stone. It is traditionally worn to enhance desire, love, and passion.

What Is a Carnelian Stone Good For?

Carnelians are said to help fearful speakers become bold and eloquent. In ancient times, warriors wore carnelian crystal around their necks for bravery and to enhance physical power during combat.

Master architects in Ancient Egypt wore them to show their ranks and, in the Middle Ages, alchemists boiled the stone to activate the energies of other chalcedonies. As the first stone in High Priests’ breastplates in ancient times, carnelians symbolised the blood of the martyrs and kept illness and plague at bay.

What Chakra Is Carnelian For?

Carnelians are said to balance and open the sacral chakra, which stores our creative and sexual energies. This energy point is orange, just like the crystal, and attracts power, boosting vitality.

Carnelian Healing Properties

Carnelian is a healing crystal for a reason, it is able to heal the body, mind and soul. Its properties and connection to the Chakras allows it to help us in various aspects of our lives. Read on to find out more.

Physical Healing Properties

Carnelian stones are believed to be great for balancing body energy levels, increasing coordination during physical exercise regimes, and as training aids. This is because Carnelian can help to stimulate the muscles and allow oxygen to flow smoothly within the body. The warm nature of the stone also helps to heal stiff bodies and allow you to feel “freer” and “looser”.

This special gem can also help to stimulate sexual energy and boost fertility. Therefore, if you are having difficulties in this area, consider using the Carnelian to give you a lil help in the bedroom.

Emotional Healing Properties

The Carnelian stone is also known as The Singer’s Stone because it promotes confidence in people performing on stage or in live media. For the timid and shy ones, use this stone to give you a push when speaking to an audience. For those with a job that requires much performance, this stone will help support you in your endeavours.

The Carnelian crystal is also called The Artist’s Stone by promoting energy flow and letting your creatives juices flow. Paint, write, dance, sang, whatever it may be, the Carnelian is here to encourage and bolster your efforts.

Metaphysical Properties

The carnelian has connection to three lower Chakras, the foundation of them all being Root Chakra. This is the Chakra that keeps us grounded and in balance.

The stone is also connected to the Sacral Chakra, and the crystal healing abilities of the carnelian include boosting listless attitudes and stimulating appetites.

The final Chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra, the Chakra that governs our personality, identity and ego. It gives us our fighting spirit and thus the carnelian stone will support us in whatever obstacles we face.

Carnelian stone is also said to be a magnet for prosperity and good luck. It’s often used by people when they need a healthy dose of good fortune. Because it also functions as a crystal of ambition, determination, and drive, it’s believed to protect the wearer from the sluggish energies of incompetent co-workers.

Can Carnelian Get Wet?

While it’s not recommended, as long as you keep your carnelian stone away from saltwater you should be alright. The best way to cleanse these stones, however, is sunshine. Orange, red, and yellow crystals love sunbathing, so put them out in the natural light for a while to help them recharge.

How to Cleanse Your Carnelian Stone

Like all crystals, they require much care and effort so that we can bring out the most of its powers. Water is one way to neutralise any negative energy stored inside your carnelian crystal and return it back to its natural state. While natural running water, like a river or stream, is best, you can also simply rinse it under a tap if needs be.

Whatever your source of water is, make sure that you completely submerge your stone and pat it dry when you’re done.

Is Carnelian a Zodiac Birthstone?

While it’s not a modern birthstone, it is often associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo, or the Autumn months of August and September. Just like how the leaves fall during this time, the Carnelian is a symbol of new beginnings. With Virgos being naturally passionate individuals, the Carnelian can further protect Virgos and boost their creativity. 

How Do You Wear a Carnelian Stone?

Wearing it on your ring finger is said to be particularly helpful. Followers of the Islamic religion believe that praying with this ring on your finger makes your requests and gratitude a hundred times more potent. The hues of the gem make it the perfect foil for most skin types, so you’ll be able to find something that works with your tone.

A Historically Interesting Gem

With such a long history, it’s unsurprising that so much folklore and legend have become part of the carnelian crystal story. Many people see them as one of the luckiest stones in the world, with one proverb stating that no one wearing one was ever found beneath a collapsed house or fallen wall!

Evidence shows people using carnelian stones as talismans since ancient times in Babylon and Greece. Additionally, many Muslims believe that it brings its owner peace and happiness. This is largely due to the fact that Mohammed was said to wear a ring bearing a carnelian seal. And Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte apparently jealously guarded the carnelian stone seal he found during an Egyptian campaign and religiously wore it as a watch charm.

If you’re after a lucky gem, then carnelian may just be the one for you! Wear it or pop it in a special place at home and let it work its magic.