Carnelian, 1 very powerful gemstone

Throughout history, people have believed in the power of gemstones. In my study of carnelian, I discovered that this gemstone, ranging from red to orange to brownish hues, holds remarkable strength. Not only is it admired for its healing properties, but as a gemstone of kings, it also symbolizes power, strength, and luck. Do you believe in the power of carnelian?

The earliest favorite gems

Like lapis lazuli, this stunning orange gemstone has been highly valued from around 5000 BC to the present day. Both gemstones were worn as talismans and used in jewelry and seals. While lapis lazuli was associated with the heavens and favored by priests, carnelian was linked to kings and nobility. Its rich, blood-red color symbolized health and good fortune qualities that would have been particularly beneficial to rulers in times of battle.

Very old

As far back as 5000 BC, people used carnelian gemstones as seals. Due to its softness, the stone could be easily carved, making it a practical tool for communication. Since many, including kings, could not read or write, seals were used to authenticate truths, agreements, and orders.

In ancient Egypt, carnelian was a significant and beloved gemstone. It was used as a burial amulet, believed to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. In modern Egypt, this orange gemstone is still used to alleviate the fear of death.

The ancient Egyptians referred to it as “the setting sun” and associated it with fire and solar energy. The stone was also linked to the menstrual blood of the goddess Isis, symbolizing creation and fertility, a connection that has evolved in modern times to represent the life-giving forces of both men and women.

The color orange was seen as a symbol of feminine energy, while the red hues in the stone represented masculine energy. Both men and women cherished this gemstone, believing it enhanced love, passion, desire, and hidden emotions.

Interestingly, master architects in ancient Egypt wore carnelian to signify their status and rank.

Carnelian seal rings have been found in places such as Bulgaria, Egypt, and even India, showing the widespread use and admiration of this powerful gemstone.

It is not my piece of cake

In literature, carnelian is often associated with vibrancy, energy, and a thirst for adventure or desire. If I wear jewelry featuring carnelian, my husband might just despair. He already thinks I have too much energy, and according to him, my adventurous spirit is what drives us all over the world in search of gemstones.

However, this gemstone is believed to offer protection against low energy, spark an adventurous mindset, and help guide you through boredom and anxiety.

Carnelian wonders

In Ancient Times, carving the carnelian was reasonably often done by the jewelry makers of the nobility. But when the powerful empires in the Middle East disappeared, the knowledge and the craftsmanship of carving disappeared.

Gem language

In the 18th century, both the English and French courts used a secret and symbolic ‘gem language’ to communicate hidden messages. Since carnelian symbolized luck and health, it was often chosen for these covert exchanges.

As I mentioned earlier, carnelian is relatively easy to carve. Nobles would commission their jewelers to create brooches and pins with carved messages. The first letters of sentiments or feelings, such as “LOV” or “LUC,” would be engraved into the gemstone. When worn at a dinner party, these brooches conveyed secret messages to a special someone.

Of course, one had to hope that the wrong person wouldn’t spot the letters and misinterpret the message. Apologies, I may have gotten carried away with my imagination there.

You have to believe in the power.

Napoleon Bonaparte and his nephew, Napoleon III, both believed in the power of carnelian. Napoleon III wore a carnelian seal on his watch chain and even gave it to his son, Louis Napoleon, instructing him to wear it.

Louis Napoleon followed his father’s command, though he didn’t believe in such superstitions. That, as it turned out, was a mistake.

In 1879, while fighting the Zulus in South Africa, Louis Napoleon and his army were disastrously defeated. He did not survive the slaughter, and to add insult to injury, his orange seal was stolen from the battlefield.

The lesson here is clear: whether you are a prince, a king, or an alchemist, you must believe in the power of the gemstone for it to work.

So, I’ll ask you again: do you believe in the power of carnelian?

And some other interesting features

The name of this gemstone is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘flesh.’ It’s unclear why the Romans chose this name, though it may have been due to the color (it certainly reminds me of my skin after spending too much time in the sun). Carnelian comes in a range of shades, from light orange to dark orange, as well as pink, dark grey, pale orange, and even red.

This stunning gemstone helps alleviate stress and fosters strong, harmonious relationships, especially in the workplace. If you’re a singer, wearing a carnelian ring can boost your confidence during performances. Those in high-risk professions should keep this gem close, as it’s believed to offer protection from accidents.

Mothers would give their children a piece of this orange gemstone when they left home, not only for protection, but also as a reminder of warmth, home, and love, as if they were carrying a piece of the sun with them.

In the Middle Ages, it was also believed that this gemstone enhanced speech and persuasion. Orators and leaders wore the stone to speak clearly and courageously, as if it “warmed” their words and gave them strength.

Don’t mix up with the Sard or Sardonyx!

Carnelian’s color is often compared to that of sard and sardonyx, but there are distinct differences. Watch the video to learn all about it!

Although this orange gemstone isn’t one of the traditional birthstones, it certainly deserves more attention. Not only because of its unique qualities, but also because its vibrant color pairs beautifully with gemstones like onyx (black) or lapis lazuli (dark blue). I’ve created a gemstone color chart that shows exactly which gemstones match which colors, making it easy to pair carnelian with your outfit. It’s free, and it also makes a thoughtful gift for someone receiving a carnelian piece of jewelry. Just let me know where to send the chart!

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