Banded Eye Carnelian Tumbles

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 inter-growth 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.

Eye Carnelian exhibits one or more round concentric markings known as eyes. The eyes form when silica-rich water seeps into cavities in volcanic rock & deposits due to the presence of different minerals swirling in those waters, which provides Carnelian with its characteristic banding. Those silica-rich waters contain impurities, such as iron or manganese, which can create the concentric markings that we know as Eyes.

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.

Ancient Egyptians named Carnelian the "Sunset Stone" because they believed it caught & reflected the heat of the sun.