Carnelian Orange Bead Chips 16" - by the strand(3160)

Carnelian belongs to the Quartz family of minerals. This stone is formed when quartz crystals have iron impurities. The colour of the crystal depends on the level of iron in the crystal. It is mined in Brazil, India, Siberia and Germany.

Ancient Egyptian master architects wore carnelian gemstones to symbolize their position. Carnelian amulets were engraved with texts out of the Book of the Dead and placed on the dead to help insure safe passage.

The Holy Scriptures list carnelian gemstone as one of the gems that adorned the breastplate of Aaron. He was a prophet and the first high priest of the Israelites. In this instance, carnelian meaning represented the blood of the martyrs. It was also thought to keep the wearer from catching the plague and other illnesses.

During the Middle Ages, alchemists used carnelian boiling stones. They believed the orange chalcedony quartz would activate the energies of other types of chalcedony quartz. This energy transformation made it more useful to the alchemist.

The Islamic prophet Mohammed wore a carnelian gemstone seal ring that brought him good luck.

Napoleon wore a lucky watch charm made with carnelian gemstones.

The German writer/scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also believed carnelian brought good luck and provided hope, comfort and protection from evil.

Carnelian is a birthstone for the zodiac sign of Virgo.

It has a Mohs scale hardness of 6 -7.

This is a natural stone product. Please expect flaws and imperfections. You will receive an item that looks similar to the example pictured.