Carnelian Gems are another popular member of the Quartz family and are a Chalcedony along with Jasper, Sard and Sardonyx.  The difference between them being a loosely defined color range and level of translucence.

The translucent Carnelian is generally found in warm, radiant shades of reddish-orange to more tawny hues.  As with all natural objects the color variations can be wide.

Although this gemstone is usually translucent and of a warm hue, Dr. Kunz writes of an opaque white Carnelian in the first known Episcopal ring that belonged to Arnulphus, Bishop of Metz (614 AD).  This particular gem had a history that went back another 300 years.

Carnelian gems have held both religious and magic significance for human-kind even before the written word.  

Since the middle Aurignacean era, over 75,000 years ago, people have carved its warm glow into animal and bird shaped amulets and marked it with symbols to make it into a talisman.

A very popular gem for both the living and as gifts for the deceased, the Carnelian was shaped into beads and gemstones for the jewellery loving Egyptians. 

The ruddy hues of this gemstone were to blend with the warm blue of Lapis Lazuli, yellow and green Jasper and a rainbow of other precious stones set in gold to form beautiful rings, earrings, necklace and pendant, arm bands, anklets and other brightly colored jewelry.

Carnelian amulets with passages from the Book of the Dead were buried with loved ones to ease their way through the many trials that precede the Blessed Realm.

Signet gems were popular jewelry gift ideas in the middle ages and these often had the effect of a talisman stone when set in jewellery and worn.

Other figures brought different forms of protection;

Carnelian Gems

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