Carnelian Beads

Carnelian beads are made from a kind of chalcedony which is a quartz. While found worldwide, the best carnelian comes from India. Other significant sources include Brazil and Uruguay. Carnelian is also spelled "cornelian." It has other names too - sadoine, Mecca stone and pigeon’s blood agate.

The term carnelian comes from the Latin "carnem" which means flesh colored. It is opaque or translucent to transparent light orange to deep brownish rust red, often found with some white color. The brownish red variety is also known as sard. Hence the name sardonyx is applied to color banded dark carnelian. It's red color comes from its hematite (iron oxide) content.

Carnelian is a birthstone for August. It has long been reputed to bring luck, protection, and comfort. Carnelian is said to be a motivation stone and some have called it the "self-esteem stone." Certainly, gemstone beads of carnelian would give the wearer better self-esteem just by their beauty alone. Due to its attractiveness and hardness it is an essential element in every serious beader's jewelry supplies. In jewelry making it is most often cut into either beads or cabochons, but occasionally it is carved.

common treatments: heat treated, occasionally dyed

special care: avoid prolonged exposure to high heat or sunlight

hardness: 6.5 - 7