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 colour 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 colour. 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.

Where Is Carnelian Found?

Commercial 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 colour.

What Does Carnelian Symbolise?

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 colouring.

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.

Healing Properties of Carnelian

Carnelian stones are believed to be great for balancing body energy levels, increasing coordination during physical exercise regimes, and as training aids. And, with their connection to the sacral chakra, they’re also good for boosting listless attitudes and stimulating appetites.

Carnelian stone is 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.

It’s also known as The Singer’s Stone, promoting confidence in people performing on stage or in live media, thanks to its link to the sacral chakra.

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

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.

How Do You Wear a Carnelian Stone?

While it’s not a modern birthstone, it is often associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo. 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 reddish-brown hues 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.