Carnelian
Symbol: Protection
Carnelian is an orange-to-red variety of chalcedony, colored by iron oxide impurities within the stone. In antiquity, carnelian was often left in the sun or exposed to heat to naturally deepen its color over time.
Where It Comes From
India has been a major source of carnelian since antiquity, with additional deposits in Brazil and Uruguay.
What Different Peoples Believed
| People | What It Symbolized |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Carved into amulets referenced in the Book of the Dead and placed with the deceased. |
| Ancient Rome | Widely used for engraved signet rings, since it doesn't stick to sealing wax. |
| Islamic tradition | Carved into rings, referenced in historical accounts describing early Islamic jewelry customs. |
Birth Month
Carnelian isn't one of the 12 official birthstones and has no widely recognized birth month.