CARNELIAN

Carved carnelian set in an Art Déco Era Egyptian Revial scarf clip

Variety:  Carnelian
Species:  Chalcedony
Mohs Hardness:  7 out of 10
Color:  Semi-transparent to semi-translucent orangy red to to brownish red or brownish orange
RI:  1.535 to 1.539 (1.53 or 1.54 spot reading)
Birefringence:  Usually not detectable
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.60 (+0.10 / -0.05)
Routine Treatments:  Staining, heating

Carnelian Facts

Carnelian set in a two-tone gold fancy prong setting

Carnelian is a red, orange, or amber variety of chalcedony that ranges from semi transparent to semi translucent. 

Carnelian's name is derived from the Latin word for flesh, carne, due to its orangy red color.

Carnelian has been used in jewelry for hundreds of years.

Carnelian Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GG, ASA, CMA, RGA, AJP, CMSP, CSSP