Cornelian

Properties of carnelian

Carnelian is a cryptocrystalline mineral in the quartz family with the chemical formula SiO2. It is actually a translucent variety of red chalcedony. It is precisely this color, which varies from orange-red to dark red depending on the density of the hematite inclusions, that makes this stone so attractive. Carnelian's luster can be oily, silky, or glassy. With a trigonal crystal system, it has a density of 2.59 to 2.61 and a hardness of approximately 7 on the Mohs scale.

The most notable carnelian deposits are found in Brazil, Uruguay, India, but also in Madagascar, Egypt, Yemen and Indonesia...

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History of Carnelia

The etymology of the term carnelian comes from the Latin word cornu, meaning horn. The most common interpretation is that the term refers to the blood dogwood, the hard wood "like a horn," and the blood-red fruit.

The history of carnelian dates back to the earliest human civilizations. In Mesopotamia, archaeological excavations have uncovered royal tombs containing jewelry and ornaments inlaid with carnelian.

For the Egyptians, in addition to its reputation as a protective stone for the pharaohs, carnelian guaranteed the passage of the deceased's soul to the afterlife. This would explain the carnelian amulets and jewelry that adorned the mummies of that era.

Carnelian appears in several ancient myths, such as the famous Epic of Gilgamesh. The Romans, who highly valued this stone, crafted exquisitely delicate casts from it.

Biblical accounts mention this stone many times, and Christian imagination attributes carnelian to the apostle Philip. As for the Buddhists, they believed in the lithotherapeutic virtues of carnelian and had been using its healing and protective power for hundreds of years.

Today, the beautiful colors and carnelian have earned it great success in jewelry.

Benefits of carnelian

Carnelian is generally associated with blood. This connection is far from insignificant given the stone's beneficial properties for the body and its well-being. Carnelian is said to help stop bleeding and accelerate wound healing. It is believed to regulate blood circulation and facilitate the elimination of toxins.
It is particularly helpful for women suffering from menstrual disorders and discomfort. A fertility stone, it is said to have a positive effect on both female ovulation and male sexual potency. It is also considered an excellent stimulant for the kidneys, liver, and gallbladder. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly suitable for rheumatism and arthritis.

On a psychological level, carnelian helps to eliminate the emotional and psychological blocks responsible for apathy. By rejecting negative attitudes and thoughts such as self-doubt, fear of death, and other debilitating thoughts, carnelian reactivates self-acceptance and the life cycle.

Thus, it channels the body's energies toward concentration, creativity, and improved work performance. Lithotherapy recognizes the calming nature of carnelian, especially when it comes to soothing anger and excessive emotions. By dispelling timidity and fear, it draws on the energy of being the necessary strength to provide courage and increase the vitality and dynamism needed to face life's challenges.

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The karmic action of carnelian is especially recognized in the root chakra, which it opens and stimulates. It also activates the sacral chakra and the solar plexus chakra, toning their energy flow to remedy deficiencies such as sexual impotence or fertility disorders.

Carnelian is recommended for the zodiac signs of Aries, Taurus, Virgo, and Scorpio. It is also recommended to wear carnelian as a pendant or piece of jewelry in constant contact with the body to ensure you receive all the stone's benefits.

Carnelian is purified by immersing it in demineralized water for several hours. It is imperative not to use salt, as this can damage the stone. When recharging carnelian, it is recommended to avoid direct exposure to strong light. Simply placing the carnelian in a pile of quartz or an amethyst geode will gently recharge it.