The July birthstone is well known as Ruby but for those looking for an unusual alternative, the ancient gem Carnelian may be of interest.
(Image from OldenWisdom)
Gemmology Matters: Carnelian is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz and is a translucent, semiprecious variety of chalcedony that owes its red to reddish brown colour to the presence of dispersed hematite (iron oxide) within the silica mineral. As with other varieties of chalcedony, hardness is 7 on the Moh’s scale. The stone is closely related to Sard which is a brownish colour – see here for more information.
Most commercially available carnelian has undergone some enhancement treatment. Yellow/brown chalcedony has been routinely heat treated at low temperatures to create red carnelian stones for many centuries. Carnelian is mostly cabbed or formed into beads and is an inexpensive stone with warm and attractive colour.
Mythology and Lore: Carnelian has been valued for many centuries and is mentioned as a birthstone in ancient Arabic, Herbrew and Roman tables. The stone is named after the Latin word “carneus” for “flesh” because of its reddish colour.
As a healing stone, carnelian may be used to treat blood disorders, menstrual problems and back pain. Continuing with the theme, carnelian has been thought to help with infertility and may be worn to enhance passion. Carnelian is associated with the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo.
Like other forms of chalcedony, carnelian is well suited to intaglio work, engraving/carving and for seals. This fine example of a seal ring depicts an actor holding a tragic mask and is held in the British Museum (image from VRoma, copyright Barbara McManus 1999)
This second example is a carnelian carved gem inscribed in Greek – this one is from Hixenbaugh Ancient Art and may be purchased through their website if you would like to own a piece of history from Ancient Greece.
Alternatives in Orange/Red: Obviously the king of red gems is Ruby but there are many other alternatives in red. For transparent gems, red spinel is increasingly popular and some species of garnet provide a range of colours from red to orange. Carnelian is generally more translucent than these alternatives and does have a “waxy” look that is quite distinctive. Carnelian with its affordability and warm colour should give collectors a reason to have at least one example of this ancient gemstone.
Links of Interest:
- Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry – article on Carnelian
- Carnelian – The Magic of Rock & Stones by Controverscial.com
- Mindat .org entry on Carnelian
Unforunately, we have no carnelian listed online although we do have some small cabochon carnelian in stock – if you want reddish orange, we also suggest some natural colour zircon. Both gems are very affordable so why not get some of each.
Cheers for now from Andrew and Leah Lane (Aussie Sapphire).