Carnelian

carnelian (kärnēl`yən) or cornelian (kôr–, kər–), variety of red chalcedony, used as a gem. It is distinguished from sard by the shade of red, carnelian being bright red and sard brownish. The red coloring is apparently caused by iron oxide.

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carnelian

 or cornelian

Translucent, semiprecious variety of the silica mineral chalcedony that owes its red to reddish brown colour to the incorporation of small amounts of iron oxide. A closely related variety of chalcedony, sard, differs only in the shade of red. Carnelian was highly valued and used in rings and signets by the Greeks and Romans, some of whose intaglios have retained their high polish better than those made from harder stones. Carnelian is mined principally in India, Brazil, and Australia. Its physical properties are those of quartz.

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carnelian

a red or reddish-yellow translucent variety of chalcedony, used as a gemstone

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carnelian

brings luck; drives away evil. [Gem Symbolism: Kunz, 62–63]

See : Luck, Good

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carnelian

symbol of St. Sebastian. [Christian Hagiog.: Brewer Handbook, I, 411]

See : Martyrdom

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Carnelian

a variety of the mineral chalcedony with a reddish yellow or red color caused by admixtures of ferric oxide. Varieties of agate consisting of alternating layers of bright red or reddish yellow and milky white coloring are called sardonyx. Carnelian and sardonyx are valuable and widespread decorative stones. They are used for making beads and as stones to be set in rings, brooches, and decorative boxes. Cut insets made of carnelian and sardonyx (cameos and gems) and small cut bottles and snuff boxes made of carnelian are highly valued.