Since antiquity, Carnelian has been worn in cameos believing it would ward off insanity & depression. In contemporary times, Carnelian is thought by some to enhance self-esteem & creativity, to combat feelings of inadequacy, to increase physical energy & overcome insomnia. In the home, Carnelian is believed to increase motivation towards action. It is sometimes used as a talisman to protect against fire and misfortune.
Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony & is a microcrystalline quartz. As a chalcedony, Carnelian is formed from the intergrowth of two silica minerals with differing crystal structures: Quartz & Moganite. Carnelian appears in a vibrant range of fire-orange reds to brown-reds & has a dull, waxy luster. The reddish tints in the translucent stone are due to the presence of iron oxide.
Carnelian is an ancient gemstone, having been used as gem material since antiquity. The bow drill was used to drill holes into carnelian in Mehrgarh between 4th-5th millennium BCE. Carnelian was recovered from Bronze Age Minoan layers at Knossos on Crete in a form that demonstrated its use in decorative arts; this use dates to approximately 1800 BC. Carnelian was used widely during Roman times to make engraved gems for signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence or other important documents since hot wax does not stick to Carnelian.
Ancient Egyptians named Carnelian the "Sunset Stone" because they believed it caught and reflected the heat of the sun.
